Young Man's 
° Problems £ 




MSLEOD 




Class _BXiili_ 

Book 

Oopigtiffi I 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT; 



A YOUNG MAN'S 



PROBLEMS 



BY 
LORENZO CARSON McLEOD. 




, 



» * 



A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 

CHICAGO NEW YORK. 



^ 



THE r 

CONGR£~ 
Two Copies Received 

nay. 2b 1902 

COPVBIGHT E 

GLASS <^XX& No. 
COPY B. 






Copyright, 1902 

BY 

LORENZO CARSON MCLEOD. 



i 



I 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



H Chapter 
: ' Chapter 


I. 


II. 


,xl Chapter 


Ill 


Chapter 


IV. 


Chapter 


V 


Chapter 


VI. 


Chapter 


VII. 


Chapter 


VIII. 


Chapter 


IX 


Chapter 


X. 


Chapter 


XI. 


Chapter 


XII. 


Chapter 


XIII. 


Chapter 


XIV. 


Chapter 


XV. 


Chapter 


XVI. 


Chapter 


XVII 


Chapter 


XVIII. 



The Restless Years, 

Azile, .... 

Having a Purpose, 

The Value of Health, 

Having Something to Do, 

Through Doubt to Faith, 

Conduct Towards Woman, 

Doing as Others Do, 

Self-Control, . 

The Value of an Education, 

A Good Name, 

One of Many, 

Self- Approval Versus Money, 

Choosing His Life Work, 

A Woman After His Own Heart, 

The Supreme Aim, . 

Three Factors of Manhood, 

Keep Heart, 



5 

10 

34 

32 
39 
44 
55 
6i 
70 
79 
87 
95 
100 
106 

113 
121 
130 
143 



A Young Man's Problems, 
chapter I, 

THE RESTLESS YEARS. 

" Here I am my own man with the most of life be- 
fore me. My past is gone forever. The present and the 
future pain me with deep concern. I want my name to 
have a place with those of others who have made life a 
success. An active brain, a fairly vigorous body, and 
good name constitute the most of my capital. The ques- 
tion what and how to do rests heavily on me. But it 
is not manly to complain of one's lot; so I will face 
things bravely, take them as they come, and do the best 
I know and can." 

So Paul Essen soliloquized the day he was twenty- 
one, as he thought of his future career. To this time he 
had been looking with strong yearnings for years, and 
the hope of its freedom had cheered him in many a duty. 

Reared in a family of the middle class who thought 
the parents' part well done when they had sent their 
children to school in winter, taken them to church with 
them on Sundays, and kept them at work the rest of the 
time, he was fretted at his condition and had determined 



6 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

to seek a field affording more freedom and opportunity. 
Until now his own wishes and inclinations had been sel- 
dom consulted. Obedience and the faithful performance 
of his tasks had been required of him, though his heart 
was not fully in either. And now, his day, the one for 
which he had so often longed, was come. Yet his course 
was not fully marked out, but gave an indefinite outline, 
as does an object seen at a distance through a fog, and 
the dimness afforded ample room for the play of his 
fancy. He felt sure that his future must be spent else- 
where, though he could not name the place. While ask- 
ing himself many questions to which he could give no 
answer, and feeling about for some outlet into wider 
fields, he attended services at the church where his pa- 
rents were wont to worship. The preacher was a stran- 
ger, and his theme " Education." His subject lay near 
his heart, and before the end was reached Paul had de- 
cided to have a better mental equipment for life's strug- 
gles and duties. His whole nature responded to the 
thought that man owes it to himself and to the race to 
render the best service in his power. 

A short time afterwards our young friend was walk- 
ing across the lawn of a college. Branches of stately 
trees met and intertwined above him; and as he looked 
at them they seemed to be.both inviting his presence and 
asking a blessing on his young manhood. Above the en- 
trance he passed through were raised letters, shaped to 
form a semicircle, saying " Character is Eternal." As 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 



he read the words a deep emotion stirred him. They lin- 
gered in his mind for days. 

He was soon classified, and took a gre,at deal of inter- 
est in his work. The other boys were strangers to each 
other as well as to him. But some of them formed ac- 
quaintances much more readily than others. Friday 
evening of his first week away from home he was pleas- 
antly approached by a well-dressed, kindly-looking 
young fellow and invited to join the Beta Gamma secret 
society. He was told that all the boys of any influence 
were members, and that it was the road to social pres- 
tige. A committee would wait on him after supper, and 
escort him to the place of meeting. He consented and 
went to his room in high spirits at the thought that here 
his worth would be appreciated. 

Having dressed up in his best suit, he sat down and 
indulged himself with thoughts of the time when men 
would speak his name in reverence. A short time after 
dark the committee came and escorted him to the place 
of initiation. On the way they spoke freely of their am- 
bitions and plans. Paul was very much stirred by this 
contact with kindred spirits. They carried a lantern 
which suddenly went out when about a mile from town. 
Going a little farther, they told him to look straight over- 
head and count all the stars he could see at a glance, that 
the greater the number the brighter his future would be. 
As he wanted to rise to a place of note he took two looks. 
While he was doing this one boy dropped on his hands 



8 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

and knees behind him and another pushed him backwards 
over the first. 

He fancied himself falling from a ledge of rocks., and 
thought that he would be taken home a corpse. Many 
deeds of his past life rushed into his mind, and he re- 
pented that he had listened to a stranger's words of praise. 
At length, he felt himself go splash into some water 
which quickly filled his mouth and ears. x\s he had only 
fallen over a low bank into some shallow water, he was 
soon out and very anxious to have a settlement with the 
other members of the Beta Gamma society. He felt 
very much like fighting, but could find no one to engage 
him. A deathlike silence prevailed, save the churning 
noise of water in his shoes, and the patter of the drops 
falling from his clothes and hat. The light gleamed in 
his eye, his bosom swelled and he wished to meet one or 
all of his brother Beta Gammians. Just then they would 
have fared roughly in his embrace, but they had not 
stayed to see him home. After some delay, having got 
his bearings, he wended his way back. Before he was 
again in his place he would have paid well for silence on 
the subject of his initiation, and in his heart he had 
enough of Beta Gamma. Saturday was spent in drying 
and cleaning up his clothes, and Sunday in writing home, 
though he made no mention of his late experience in the 
society world. Monday all his schoolmates were at the 
college in time to greet him with a smile and ask him how 
many stars he could see at a glance. Taking it all in 
good humor, he went to his work with a strong purpose 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 9 

and was devoted to his duties. The year soon slipped 
away, and in it he made a good record. Another session 
was half gone before anything again disturbed his peace 
of mind. The prank played by his comrades had taught 
him to be cautious. And he soon took a worthy place 
among them. All was going well and the outlook seemed 
full of promise until trouble came from an unexpected 
quarter. 



10 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 



CHAPTER II. 

AZILE. 

In the town was a young lady, a brunette of fine form, 
pleasant disposition, and very pretty. She had been ask- 
ing a friend about the name and standing of that tall 
student with gray eyes, light hair and such a determined 
expression of face, and said that she would like to meet 
him. When Paul was told of this it impressed him 
deeply. He tried to recall all the pretty faces he had seen 
in the town and wondered how this one looked. He was 
eager to see her and inquired where she lived. On his 
way to and from the post office he made it convenient to 
go past her home. He longed for just one look into her 
face. As spring advanced a morning walk became part 
of his programme ; as he said, just for the exercise, but 
on his round he always went by a certain place. And if 
he only got one glance at her face the picture would cling 
in his memory all day. If she smiled he felt sure it 
meant good will towards him. What a wholesome ef- 
fect it would have had on him to have met her then, 
learned that she was a human being, and found out her 
disposition. As it was, she was to him, for the most 
part, a creature of his fancy, with just enough of the 
real to sustain whatever illusion he cherished in regard 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 11 

to her. He fancied that she loved him, that she was as 
true and steadfast as the North Star, that she was as 
pure as the dewdrop pendant from a lily's petal, and that 
if he could only get acquainted with her this blooming 
maiden with all her charms would be his. 

So he thought of her at times. At others she seemed 
so far away and of such an exalted nature that he hardly 
dared to claim her. These dreams of her helped him in 
his lessons; for any strong feeling quickens the flow of 
blood and makes the brain as well as the body more power- 
ful. On account of his love for her he could the better 
concentrate his thoughts on his studies, and grasp their 
meaning more quickly. A far-reaching energy seemed 
to have made him its center of action. It put a manlier 
bearing into his carriage, a nobler expression in his coun- 
tenance, and brought his best traits to the front. At 
times he would give his confidence to his roommate. 

" Did you ever," said he, " see such eyes and modest 
bearing? Do you know of another such a noble being 
as that dark-eyed girl of mine ? When she looks straight 
into my eyes a thrill of pleasure tingles in every nerve of 
my body, and then she so gently drops her lashes that 
I want to beg her pardon for my rudeness in looking at 
her so hard. Her brow is prettier than painter ever 
drew. Not the ripe cherry nor the full-blown rose can 
be compared with her lips. Michael Angelo would have 
surpassed himself had his been the good fortune to be- 
hold her form. She is a pure spirit with just enough of 
the earthly about her to awaken and hold man's love. 



12 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

Once under the sway of her charm, she puts a new life 
and a new purpose into one." 

All these things he said and more. As his friend was 
enamored of another fair maiden, he accepted all these 
expressions as fitly describing his own sweetheart. So 
he could gladly listen to them by the hour. Thoughts ex- 
pressed seem more real, and thus Paul's utterances deep- 
ened his attachment for the sunny-faced girl. Passion 
has more than one blossom. Along with the charmed 
life came the desire for a place where he could care for 
the object of his love. So, out of the mists, there rose 
clearly and distinctly before him the picture of a home. 
Now, he knew at least one reason why men are willing 
to endure toil, hardship and even danger. The hoped-for 
day came. As commencement was drawing near he had 
the good fortune, at a social, to be introduced to her who 
had been so much in his thoughts. Instead of meeting a 
warmth such as glowed in his own breast, he found her 
about as distant as any other of his new acquaintances. 
This fact cooled his feelings no little. It seemed strange 
that as near as she had been to him through several 
months, though absent, now when in his presence she 
should be so far away. But, by degrees, there was a 
blending of feelings and before the hour for parting his 
hope was somewhat revived. Under the subdued light 
of the Chinese lanterns she appeared more charming 
than ever. The fragrance of the flowers along the walks 
awakened the feelings so that they were more easily im- 
pressed; and the fact that her fingers touched his arm 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 13 

as they threaded their way through the throng gave a 
substantial sense of her real presence, and made her con- 
quest of his heart the more complete. 

Paul was not so talkative as usual. That vague state 
of mind which is common to persons before thought, 
feelings or will has taken definite form had a strong 
hold upon him. So she did most of the talking, while 
he listened as attentively as the tumult of sensations 
within him would allow. 

" I have often wondered," said she, " why different 
persons impress us in such various degrees. Some faces 
pass from memory almost as soon as seen. We meet 
persons to-day whom we fail to recognize to-morrow. In 
other instances, someone's glances meet our own and the 
features are stamped on the mind for life. The face 
comes and goes, and we know not why. Sometimes one 
such glance will change the course of a life, and turn 
it either towards weal or woe. No doubt, in the case of 
noted persons, the interest felt before meeting them 
awakens the mental powers so that deep impressions are 
made. But, at least once, and sometimes oftener, when 
there is not the expectant state to account for it; when, 
in fact, we seem to be perfectly indifferent and prefer to 
remain so, we feel the influence of another's life so 
strongly that in an instant our views of self are all 
changed." 

She so clearly described Paul's state of mind in regard 
to her that he could hardly keep from confessing his 
passion. In fact, if they had been in a more shadowy 
part of the grounds it is likely that he would have de- 



14 



A.YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 



clared his love. But looking searchingly into her face, 
he could see no token of unrest or deep' feeling, and so 
was restrained. Without knowing it, she had touched 
one of the most sensitive chords of his being; and the 
shock so weakened him that he said: " Let us. sit down 
on one of these rustic benches and rest a while." After 
they had sat down, she continued : 

" In the case of stringed instruments I have noticed 
that when a note is struck on one, those around it will 
give the same sound, as if from sympathy. Some per- 
sons laugh just because they see others doing so; and it 
seems as if many lives are so constituted that' at the 
instant of contact, whether at the sound of the voice, the 
glance of the eye, or in some other way, one is fully 
responsive to the other." 

He replied: "Your illustration is very clear. But 
some are able to stir emotions without being touched in 
the least degree by what they have called out." The 
look he gave kept her from asking him to explain his 
meaning. It would be pleasant to quote more of the con- 
versation, but here with the light gentlv falling on their 
faces, and where they can study the features of the pass- 
ing throng, is a good place to leave them. They were 
unconscious that time was passing, until the movement 
of the crowd showed that it was time to go. 

He asked his charming companion if he might attend 
her home, to which she replied with a smile and " Yes 
sir." 

Before they parted, she had given her consent for him 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 15 

to call and see her. As he went back to his room, hope 
filled his mind with bright visions of the future. He 
looked up at the stars, and their glimmering beauty so 
touched him that he sighed. The breezes fanning his 
face soothed him. 

" Azile Ray nor, what a sweet name she has," he 
thought, " but not half so sweet as the one it names." 
The weeks passed away very swiftly for our young 
friend. He worked at his Latin, mathematics and other 
studies with intenser application that he might have more 
time to listen to the wisdom of Azile. And he felt that 
the best used hours of all were those spent in her company. 
Though somewhat distant, she was courteous and kind 
to him. And when at vacation he told her " good bye " 
and asked if he might write to her, she let him hold her 
hand until she said that she thought it would be pleasant 
to correspond with him. Through the summer, the pic- 
ture of Azile' s beautiful face clung in his memory to 
sweeten and cheer his spirit. 

Time sped, and soon September had come again. It 
would be interesting to give the correspondence of those 
few months, but it seems best to content ourselves with 
extracts from two of the letters. In one of his, Paul 
wrote : 

" To-day I saw a most charming landscape. I was 
resting on a large rock near the top of a high hill or 
mountain. Just at the rock's base were waving ferns. 
At the foot of the hill lay a beautiful village on a tract 
of land that gradually rose in another elevation to its 



16 A YOUNG MAN S PROBLEMS 

summit, whereon stands a noble building. Beyond that 
for some miles stretches a fertile valley beautified by the 
interblended forests and fields, with here and there cozy 
homes. Near the farther side of this is a fine river sweep- 
ing around almost in the form of a semicircle. At a 
greater distance are mountains rising, as it seemed to 
me, bench above bench back to the highest, which was 
many miles away. A thin blue mist enveloped the distant 
heights and added to their charm. Near me was a rose 
bush in full bloom, and its fragrance filled the air. A 
mocking bird, nearly over my head, was singing his 
happiest strain. The sky was the clearest blue; and the 
white summer clouds that floated over me were all the 
time changing their shapes. I watched the scene for 
hours. A deep peace filled my mind, and if you had only 
been at my side to point out the prettiest views and talk 
to me, it would have been all the heart could wish." 

In reply , Azile wrote : 

'That must have been a charming scene which you de- 
scribed in your last letter. I like to look upon such ob- 
jects in nature. Their influence purifies and sweetens 
human thoughts and feelings. Then, too, the river 
flows on forever, and the eternal hills are always there. 
Nature is so constant that I would love her for that rea- 
son if no other. She is so different from mankind. 
Whether our hearts are joyous or sad, the landscape, sky, 
and river always charm and soothe. Thank you for the 
sweet wild roses. I put them into a vase of water to 
keep them fresh ; and I think they will be pretty for sev- 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 17 

eral days. It is sad that such beauty should fade so 
soon. The flower is a good type of our earthly hopes. 
You men talk too much for me to know just how to take 
part of your letter; though, I suppose that any kind of 
company enables one the better to enjoy such views. I 
have found one of the prettiest landscapes near here, and, 
in autumn when you are back at school, I will show you 
the place. It will he even more charming then, for the 
trees are kinds whose leaves color so beautifully after 

frost." 

Summer had gone. Paul was making good progress 
in his studies. This was to be his last year at college. 
Azile was a charming talker, and he spent in her com- 
pany all the time he could spare from his work. One 
evening shortly after the first killing frost, he visited her. 
They were talking about the influence of frost in chang- 
ing the appearance of the forests and fields. She re- 
marked : 

"Near here is one of the most inspiring views that you 
almost ever saw. I wrote you something about it in 
one of my letters. Would you like to view the scene?" 

He answered that he would surely be glad to do so; 
for, besides the pleasure of seeing, he could also form 
some notion of her taste for the beautiful. Going by a 
route of her choosing, they came at length to a spot from 
which the whole picture could be seen. They were look- 
ing down a winding valley with wooded hill slopes on 
either side. A small stream wound along nearly through 
the center of the view. On its banks were deep purple 



18 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

sumac thickets with here and there a goldenrod waving 
over the water. A little back of this were elms with 
their rich yellow leaves, while mingled with them were 
the well-rounded forms of the sweet gum trees bearing 
their leaves of many shades of red. Oaks of different 
varieties fringed the slopes up to the very top. Some of 
them were changing color, while others were still green. 
The sun was nearly setting; and the beams falling on 
the scene produced a vanishing effect, and made the wa- 
ter falling from a spring near the hilltop look like a string 
of diamonds. On the distant summit, trees and sky 
seemed to blend. Words cannot paint a picture like 
that, but they may serve to remind one that nature has 
many charms for eyes that can see them ; they may even 
set people to looking for such beauties. In restful 
silence, the two looked on the landscape until the stars 
began to come out. Almost overcome by what they saw, 
they felt rather than thought or spoke. Their emo- 
tions were too deep for speech. When they arose and 
started homewards, the chirp of the crickets along the 
way and the mellow tinkling of distant bells were the 
only sounds to break the stillness. At length he spoke. 

"To-day, under the influence of Nature's power, our 
hearts have been deeply moved. We have felt the thrill 
of her touch. I wish we could always be in as deep 
sympathy as we have this hour." As he said this, they 
stopped. He looked straight into her face. There in 
the last glow of one of the fairest of days, she appeared 
more beautiful than ever before. The expression of her 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 19 

face almost overpowered him. Her eyes drooped as 
they met his earnest gaze. He said : 

" Won't you love me always, Azile ?" For a while, the 
silence was painful. They could almost hear the throb 
of their hearts. At last, she raised her eyes to his and 
whispered : 

" I love you, Paul," and trembling, leaned on his 
shoulder. 

During the remainder of the scholastic year, he 
was at her side as much as his other duties would allow. 
She sang for him many sweet songs. Together they 
read a number of the masterpieces of English literature. 
The fair day of which Paul in other years had dreamed, 
seemed about to dawn. In June he left for a distant 
part of the state to engage in business. Before leaving, 
he told Azile that he hoped soon to have his affairs in 
shape so that he could come back for the one who was to 
him the dearest of women. His letters, full of tender 
regard, reached her regularly. Nearly a year had gone. 
His success had not been all that he had hoped. He 
would not claim her promise for another year. The 
waiting time is hard. Still, he kept up his spirits with 
the thought that a year would soon go. One day, when 
flowers, trees, air, and sky seemed to be working in har- 
mony for the happiness of earth's inhabitants, our young 
friend received a letter addressed in a well-known hand. 
Opening it he read : 

" Dear Paul : — It is somewhat over two years since 
we met at the social. I had noticed some time before 



20 A YOUNG MAN S PROBLEMS 

that you were studious, and found out by inquiry that 
your habits were good and you would make me pleasant 
company, and in all you have had to do with me your 
conduct was above reproach. I think you are a dear, 
noble young man and wish that I had a younger sister 
to give you. Now be patient, hear what I have to say, 
and please don't think hard of me. Four years ago, I 
pledged my life and love to one who is to me the dearest 
of all men. I have waited for him, and he will come 
next month and claim me for his bride. I never meant 
to marry you. I only told you that I loved you and I 
do next to Frank. While he was absent, you made life 
happier for me than it would have been, and, in truth, 
you have enjoyed yourself better than you would have 
without me. Don't you think so? If you will, you 
may come to our wedding. I know that such a true, 
noble man as you are can find a worthy and willing 
woman to help him in life's duties. I hope you already 
know of one who will. I haven't meant to wrong you, 
but I was lonely, and you were too. I cannot stay my 
tears as I think of you and know that this must be my 
last letter to you. Be brave and hopeful. Your friend 
always, Azile." 

As he read this it staggered him. A shudder swept 
through him. He felt that he could never accept an- 
other woman's promise, that Azile might have been 
frank with him and saved him from such a shock of dis- 
appointment. A more mature woman than he was man, 
she might have made herself plain right from the first. 
She had, in fact, expressed the desire to meet him before 
he ever thought of her. Why did she not at least save 
him from the loss of confidence he felt in that hour? 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 21 

A friend never would trifle with a man as she had with 
him. Confidence is as sweet as honor; and with either 
gone, life is almost a misfortune. In truth, selfishness 
was at the bottom of her conduct, and it was strange that 
a woman of her sense could delude herself into claim- 
ing that her behavior had been better for both. When 
a man shows by his conduct that a woman is his choice, 
he is honor bound, if she is willing, to be true to her. 
When a woman accepts the constant attention of a man 
who she must see prefers her, by all that is noble and 
true she is in duty bound to save him from delusion. 
Call such conduct friendship! No, Azile, it is selfish- 
ness of the worst kind, for it destroys man's confidence 
in the goodness of women, and when that is gone what 
is he? Go ask the woman lost to all self-respect why 
she is in that condition, and she will tell you that she 
trusted a man who had no confidence in the goodness of 
woman. A man who has that ennobling belief can nev- 
er betray a trustful woman. 

Such thoughts rushed through his mind as he brooded 
over his fate. The plan of his life was overthrown. 
To him the future was uncertain. 

Turning all his thoughts to business, he tried to forget 
a past whose remembrance so deeply pained him. He 
gave his interest to children, his sympathy to the suffer- 
ing around him. The saying " Every cloud has its sil- 
ver lining " gave him some comfort, and he tried to be- 
lieve that in the long run all things would work out for 
his good. Taking up some of the main problems that 



22 A YOUNG MAN S PROBLEMS 

confront a young man, he sought to find their true solu- 
tion. His closer attention to business brought increased 
success, and his deeper interest in those about him added 
to the number of friends. Before long, he could look 
at his past life squarely and consider it fully. He 
summed it up as follows : 

" I grew restless at home and wanted to leave. Why, 
I cannot tell. I have never had a better home, nor truer 
friends than when there. While in an unsettled state of 
mind, a sermon I heard led me to go to college. In that 
case I felt my need ; and my action in that regard pleases 
me as well as anything else I ever did. The Beta Gam- 
ma boys taught me to be careful about strangers who 
flattered. I met Azile at a time in life when it was nat- 
ural for me to fall in love. If I had not loved her, likely 
I would have some other pretty, well-bred girl. The 
truth is, I was charmed with one of my own illusions and 
she was the one with whom I associated it. She was 
not the pure, noble woman of my fancy. It grieves me, 
though, not to have the high opinion of all women that 
I had before meeting her. I will never — never trifle 
with a woman's love as she did with mine. Thinking 
of her welfare led me to see the real use of wealth. And 
I went into business in order to care for her well. As 
a rudderless ship is at the mercy of winds and waves, 
so have I been the victim of circumstances. It would 
have saved me many a heartache could I have seen this 
some time ago; but it is not too late to mend. From 
this day on, instead of allowing the winds to direct my 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 23 

course, I will use them to help me on in my chosen way. 
What are a man's judgment and will for if not to enable 
him to help himself? My mental powers developed by 
education will serve me well. The experience with Azile 
will keep me out of such trouble in the future. Her im- 
pulsiveness, her taste, and her disposition would not 
have suited me. I love constancy and sincerity in wom- 
an. When I can find a woman whose disposition suits 
me, who pleases and is pleased with me, whom I can love 
for her own sake, and who can love me just as I am, I 
will ask her to bless my life. To have a home is one 
of the deep wants of my nature. To care for and pro- 
tect it, I would endure any labor and hardship. But 
my judgment must approve my heart's choice." 

So he buried the past and strengthened himself with 
hope. The person who knows himself and his limits and 
who has true respect for himself has a good foundation 
to build upon. He did not destroy fancy, but gave part 
of her realm to judgment and another to reason. 



24 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 



CHAPTER III. 

HAVING A PURPOSE. 

While in the company of an aged friend, a man of 
marked success, Paul asked him how he thought a young 
man could realize the best results from the use of his 
time and labor. To this question the other replied: 

" Experience has shown me that it is almost useless 
to advise a person to do something in which he takes 
no interest. Under such circumstances the adviser may 
consider himself fortunate if he is even given a respect- 
ful hearing. In case one is doing wrong, a kind word 
may check and likely save from error. But it is hard to 
help a man rise, when he does not care to exert himself. 
However, you impress me as one who aspires to better his 
condition, so I will tell you how I think is the best way 
to build up one's self. I will relate my own experience 
and then give you the points. I started on a career for 
myself, with a fairly good education and about average 
health and strength. Many of my associates surpassed 
me very much in both respects. It seemed to me that 
the mind by right planning could save considerable out- 
lay of physical force, and I felt that I must think in or- 
der to effect much. My first years were spent in work- 
ing for another. Out of twelve months' wages I man- 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 25 

aged on the start to save fifty dollars. My comrades, 
who worked by my side day after day and received the 
same pay as I did, said that it was not worth the pains to 
try to get anything ahead on such a low income. So 
they spent theirs as they earned it. At the end of the 
year, my employer named the amount due me, and of- 
fered to let me take that much stock in the firm. To 
that I gladly agreed. So much money seemed to me a 
large sum; and I was proud to be its owner. The sec- 
ond year, as my wages were better, I was able to save 
a hundred. My fifty had earned me five. Again the 
offer of the preceding year was repeated and accepted 
with pleasure. To my surprise I was given another 
advance, so that at the end of that twelve months two 
hundred dollars were due me. My hundred and fifty- 
five had gained me twenty. When the time came to set- 
tle up, my employer was much moved and told me that I 
was the only young man in his employment who was 
saving a cent. He also said : * You do your best at 
whatever I put you to do. You have been both upright 
and faithful to me. You deserve another advance. 
And, if you desire, you may have stock to the amount 
due you. Or if you want to go at something for your- 
self I will indorse you.' His words touched me deeply. 
I thanked him and continued in his service two years 
longer. By that time I had over a thousand dollars; 
and as my old employer continued his offer to back me, 
I could control any amount in reason. That was my 
experience. And whatever success has crowned my ef- 



26 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

forts has resulted from following the same principles 
that then guided me. You give evidence of a well-de- 
veloped and cultured mind. Was your advanced school- 
ing given you or did you secure it by our own efforts ?" 

" That is an unusual question," said Paul, " and I 
hardly see why you should ask it. My answer, though, 
must be, that for the greater part I paid my own way. 
My father gave me some means when I became of age. 
I worked and earned more. That and what I could 
make during vacation were used to bear my expenses. 
My father was one of our self-made men who, without 
much education, had risen by his own efforts. He did 
not approve of me spending so much time and money go- 
ing to school. But I clung to my purpose, and, at least, 
won his respect; for towards the last of my course he 
let me have means as I needed it. And since then he 
has helped me even when he did not approve of my aim. 
Though he has never said so, yet his conduct shows that 
he has confidence in me and is proud of nry efforts." 

" Now, Paul, when you started to college what end 
did you have in view ? " 

" I was working for two results : to develop my pow- 
ers and to fit myself for usefulness." 

" Did you have any schoolmates who appeared to 
work for other ends ? " 

" Yes, a good many of them aimed first to enjoy them- 
selves as they went along. And they had a good time, 
but did not learn much." 

" I think that now you are in a state of mind that will 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 27 

enable you to grasp most firmly what I am going to say. 
The secret is contained in both your experience and mine. 
Man gets in kind what he aims to secure. The degree 
of his attainments may turn on several factors. But he 
realizes along the line of effort. Have a point in view, 
and use all your powers to accomplish it. Set the whole 
current of your nature to working towards the mark. 
If you run against difficulties and obstacles go on. When 
you are brought to a standstill, make the best of it by find- 
ing a way to go forward. If baffled for a time, hold to 
your purpose and keep striving. Never give up. Bend 
all your energies for money, and wealth will come to 
you. With all your strength seek after knowledge, 
and, at length, it will be yours. But no man can 
have all things. He must choose one or, at most, 
a few ends and let all others go. The social leader 
is much away from home. The great scholar has not 
time to make a fortune. He who would be very wealthy 
cannot go to the depth of the mazes of learning. No 
man can be first both as saint and scholar. Is there 
something you want ? Let other matters go, and seek it. 
Pay the price and it is yours. I wanted money for the 
sake of the independence it gives, and that I might use 
it for the welfare of others. In those five years I denied 
myself over a thousand dollars' worth of pleasure and 
other things. Some of my co-workers who received as 
much on the start as I, could not at the end of the time 
show one-tenth as much for their work. One of them 
is now working for me on a moderate income. He aims 



28 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

to have a good time and all of his earnings go to realize 
that end. You worked to develop your mental parts 
and gave up many things that would have thwarted your 
purpose. Your pleasure-loving associates chose the 
pleasure of the hour. Doubtless, they enjoyed what 
they sought. A low aim or a wrong one leads to failure, 
to disgrace. Indecision and inaction are time-wasters, 
weights that sink men into nothingness. Many accom- 
plish little because they simply drift with the current of 
their feelings or of life about them. To-day, they are 
borne one way, to-morrow, another. At last the years 
of life, the opportunities it brings, have slipped away, 
and a blank is drawn instead of a prize. Man is by na- 
ture a hero worshiper. That this is true is shown by 
the devotion given to leaders in war and politics. Some 
elements of human nature awaken deep respect. Every 
crowd of schoolboys has its chief. Each village, town, 
or city has its ideal more or less embodied in one of its 
citizens, whose conduct is regarded as proper, whose 
judgments are accepted as right. His smile or favor 
evokes a sense of worth in his devotees. Without at- 
tempting too close an analysis, it is enough to say that 
the element which wins such esteem is strength or skill. 
His admirers feel that his force increases theirs. 

" Now, the person who has an aim and works for its 
accomplishment sets currents in motion about him. Only 
the most resolute dare to oppose him. The throng, see- 
ing in him the type of its best development, applauds and 
even helps him on. Go into a crowd and sit down, the 



A young man's problems 29 

example is contagious. Start out as if you have some- 
thing to do, and people will get out of your way and may 
even try to help you along. He who chooses and acts 
shows elements of heroism. And calm, steady persist- 
ence quells resistance and engages assistance. 

" Now let us consider the function of skill. It is a 
sad fact that only a few persons have good use of their 
parts. There is hardly one in ten thousand who speaks 
distinctly. Yet no musical instrument has such wonder- 
ful possibilities as the human voice. Most persons 
scrawl a letter instead of writing one. The tillers of the 
soil more often mutilate than till it. We listen to 
preachers and speakers who have only half mastered 
their themes. We pay teachers who kill the ambition 
and curiosity of our children. The clerks who hand 
goods over the counter to us do it awkwardly. It is so 
rare to find a person who can do a thing well that when 
such is discovered we stop and admire him. 

" Children are not trained in the homes as they should 
be. If every child was helped to obtain a thorough mas- 
tery of himself, to use all his parts well, in a century 
or two beauty of form and feature would be the rule, and 
earth would be ornamented. But when one realizes this 
truth, he is likely too old to profit by it. The road to 
skill, however, is everlasting, attentive practice. It is 
trying to do your best still better. In the use of 
the hands, direct all the attention to them and by repeated 
efforts the best posible results are secured. When doing 
anything, bend all the energies to the task in hand. One 



30 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

must admire a skillful pianist. Attentive effort has 
made him such. A speaker who gives clear-cut words 
and sentences in tones of melody charms us. One feels 
ashamed when, in the presence of others, he does poorly, 
and is thrilled with pleasure at riis best success. Stand- 
ing before a piece of the old Grecian sculpture, it is hard 
to repress the exclamation, ' Would that those lips had 
language, that spirit enlivened those eyes!' Such is 
the heart's homage to skill. To do each task and duty 
of life the best one can, to strive to attain perfect use of 
muscle and brain, is the way to improve one's self, and 
secure the unfeigned admiration of others. 

" Sometimes days or even months pass and we can 
hardly see any results from our labors. That may be 
due to the fact that the work was of a cumulative kind 
and only shows in other results. But effort tells at last. 
Sometimes the hours have borne no benefits because they 
were put to no use. No deep purpose was working 
through them. They are gone and unused. 

" Choose your mark and go towards it. Soon you 
will find better and shorter ways of doing your work. 
Careful effort leads to skill. And skill commands re- 
spect, even admiration. In the industrial and business 
realms, it is always in demand. Do your best at what- 
ever you undertake, and at last you can do it well. In 
line with my views, I would add, in all things, through 
all things, and above all things, strive to be just, faithful 
and true. For he who has lived an upright life, who has 
won the approval of Heaven, has realized the highest 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 31 

success. Fail in that respect, and wealth and fame can 
only gild. Succeed in that effort and the unchanging 
elements of undying manhood are yours for all the fu- 
ture." 



32 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE VALUE OF HEALTH. 

" It has seemed to me/' said Paul, continuing the 
conversation, " that another factor much undervalued 
is health. In several instances within my knowledge, 
young men of fine parts and noble impulses have broken 
down or died in the very blooming period of life. Or, 
it may be, a young woman who was the pride and joy 
of her parents and home, and a blessing to all in reach 
of her influence, has faded away almost, like a tender 
flower. Time is an essential element in every great 
achievement, and a person can do more of solid, endur- 
ing work in fifty years than he can in ten. The sway 
of character becomes farther reaching with mature age. 
It takes many generations to develop the intellectual life 
of a people to a high stage of advancement. The stu- 
dent of the history of the Teutonic nations finds evidence 
of their growth and development for over eighteen hun- 
dred years; and to-day, their future appears to be far- 
reaching and full of promise. Back of the mental free- 
dom they now enjoy, are centuries of political and re- 
ligious struggles. Only after a long period of growth 
and many storm-tossings does the oak reach its full size 
and strength. As there is the time of blooming youth, 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 33 

so one might expect at last a mature, well-developed man- 
hood or womanhood. The early collapse of several 
young people of great promise has led me to ask why 
they fell so soon, why the flower faded in the bud and 
never bloomed. In some cases, there was inherent weak- 
ness to account for the fact. But nearly always close 
study led me to conclude that a needless sacrifice had 
been made. Sometimes a great effort of some nature 
had overdrawn on the supply of vital force. Or again 
it was learned that there had been overpressure con- 
tinued through a number of years. It is a fact 
easily proven by experience, that a tired person gains 
time by resting. When one engages in too prolonged 
physical strain, aches and discomforts urge him to 
stop. But excessive use of the brain gives a gen- 
eral feeling of depression without locating the seat 
of the pain. The victim knows something is the mat- 
ter with him but cannot tell what it is. His condition 
is most grievous. But failing to work with his usual 
despatch he labors longer hours, thus increasing his un- 
rest. At last Nature orders a halt, and his days on earth 
are over. The bow, too long bent, was no longer elas- 
tic. The mourners go about their ways saying : ' It is 
very sad ; ' and in their minds question if it is right 
that one so useful and of such promise should have such 
a short life. Or, it may be, a mother whose duty is to 
her children overtaxes her strength, with the result that 
they are deprived of one of life's sweetest and best gifts, 
a devoted woman's love and sympathy, just at the time 



34 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

they need it most. Do not the stunted growth of the 
misshapen tree, the failure of leaning grain to develop 
mature seeds, the dwarfed bodies of children forced too 
early to hard labor, all stand as reminders that law and 
force are always at work? " 

" You are right in that," said his friendly adviser. " It 
is wisely ordered that man should have a reserve supply 
of strength to be used only in case of great need. With- 
out some such arrangement, the loss of a little blood, a 
slight spell of sickness, or any unusual exertion would 
end life. But man can overdraw on that, and his mis- 
take is sure, if persisted in, to bring suffering on him. 
The persons whose unusual feats of courage, skill, wis- 
dom, or virtue are recorded in history had great re- 
sources to draw from in the hour of need. In many a 
fray, in many a struggle, endurance was the decisive fac- 
tor. Of course, that is in a good measure a matter of 
constitution ; but habits and use also pressed on the heav- 
ier side of the balance. The possible depends on more 
than one thing; and the issue, on the number of hours, 
or it may be years, one can work at his best, as well as 
on how much he can do in a given time. Even in con- 
tests of a purely muscular nature, there may be such 
an even outlay of strength and skill against each other 
that the staying power is the decisive factor. In other 
fields time has even greater importance. A fine painting 
demands the experience and work of years. The same 
is true of the masterpieces of literature. With proper 
care the mind retains its vigor and grows well up into 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 35 

old age. The right adjustment of part to part, and the 
comprehensive grasp of all the points of a subject re- 
quire growth of thought. A little forcing of the pro- 
cesses may be indulged in, but too much brings defeat. 
So, in those great social or religious efforts which have 
for their aims the uplifting of mankind, he who would 
effect much must husband his energies so as to be able 
not only to work with intense concentration but through 
a long period. 

" One reason why such persons as those of whom you 
spoke break down is that they have strength of purpose 
without breadth of view. Looking at the subject in its 
widest range, one can but see that it is the continuous 
well-directed effort that achieves. Or to make the point 
plainer, passion rather than judgment, reason, and will, 
governs them. Passion soon spends itself; while judg- 
ment and reason seek the best ways and means and then 
direct the will in wise, steady endeavor. For instance, a 
student might kill himself in four years by overwork. 
By very intense study he might accomplish the same end 
in six months or in even less time. His knowledge 
goes with him; his influence remains. By pursuing a 
different course he might have lived and learned for a 
long period. Would he not in the latter case make a 
deeper impression on those around him? He is wise 
who recognizes that he is subject to limits. Because 
exercise is good for man, it does not follow that violent 
training is. Because nothing of great worth is accom- 
plished without zeal, it is not to be concluded that the 



36 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

results will always be in proportion to the intensity of 
the enthusiasm. Man has capacity for work. In kind 
and amount different individuals vary; nor is the same 
person constant in this respect. Lead an indoor life for 
some time, and then go at some kind of hard muscular 
work. Fatigue soon comes on. By careful training 
the capacity may be increased from day to day until the 
highest point of which one is capable is reached. Go 
beyond this and aches, physical weakness, and loss of 
spirit arise. In passing from muscular to mental toil, 
the ordinary person, owing to the lack of power at first 
to concentrate his thoughts, does not suffer so much 
from his work as from the change of habits. Use of 
parts sets an increased flow of blood to them. Even aft- 
er their disuse, for a while the supply continues. But the 
student who can hold his mind to a subject may suffer 
from over-study. Over and above the strength required 
by the working capacity, nature has provided a reserve 
as if to make secure against accidents. So when one has 
made a moderate over-drawal on his store of energy, 
by resting he may regain his normal state. But contin- 
ual disregard of such protests as pains and dullness is 
fraught with peril. The thing for each to do is to train 
his powers up to their proper limit and be very careful 
about passing it. Health and happiness are man's nat- 
ural rights. He may barter them for ease, or fame, or 
gold, or sacrifice them to ignorance or folly. 

" If one works or studies so intensely that three hours' 
employment a day consumes his powers to the point of 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 37 

wasting, he should relax his efforts at the end of that 
time. Of course, if a person without treating himself 
harshly can endure toil for sixteen hours out of the twen- 
ty-four, he may accomplish more. But it is very doubt- 
ful if, in the long run, one gains anything by a prolonged 
strain in the performance of daily duties. He who lives 
for a noble purpose should reckon well with his health, 
one of the most useful forms of strength and without 
which the highest attainments cannot be realized. A 
break-down at that point is most effective in baffling one's 
plans. The person who is always in his place striving 
with sound and vigorous parts can accomplish great 
things, can do almost anything in the power of man he 
may choose. How different must be the outcome, if 
weakness keeps him from his post. In life's wide realm 
there is work for each, and none can do another's part. 
In the end it is the staying powers that tell. The person 
who can say ' yes ' or * no/ as the occasion demands, and 
stick to it, who can say ' I will ' and with wise, persistent 
efforts moves and moulds the objects and forces about 
him in line with his purpose, wins life's laurels. Prog- 
ress is slow in the moral and intellectual domains. In 
the development of mental parts, and in the building of 
a strong character, time and great effort are required. 
We admire the good man, the pure woman, because they 
have been strong to resist evil, and constant in the love 
of right. Standing as you do on the threshold of life, 
remember that the holiest purposes as well as the far- 
thest reaching ambition may be thwarted by weakness. 



38 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

Strength and endurance rest on soundness and a wise use 
of one's self. Honor to those noble souls who, in spite 
of weakness and misfortune, have struggled faithfully- 
through pain, hardship, and disappointment and given 
the world an example of how to suffer if one must. But 
those who have health and hope owe it to themselves and 
to their fellow-men to treasure the blessings they enjoy, 
that they may the better fill their places and do their part 
in life." 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 



CHAPTER V. 

HAVING SOMETHING TO DO. 

" Another point which deserves attention is that of 
having something to do so as to form the working habit. 
And, Paul, since you are a good listener, I would like to 
talk to you about this. 

" Young people sometimes tire of the restraints and rou- 
tine of home-life and long for a wider field of exercise 
and more freedom to follow the leadings of their own 
views and feelings. No word is oftener misused than 
' Liberty.' 

" To the restless youth that term means the right to do 
as he pleases in a condition free from restraint. But in 
truth there is no such state on earth for man. In one 
respect we are hedged around by natural, in another by 
civil laws.. One man's liberty ends at the point where in 
its exercise he invades another's rights. 

" When alone in the woods and fields it is all right for 
one to sing if he wants to. But such conduct would be 
improper at a public speaking. 

" A common dream of our youth is of a time when we 
can work or rest just as we please. And so as we near 
our twenty-first year visions of ease rise up before us. 
We may even envy certain persons of our acquaintance 



40 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

who spend their time in idleness and amusement. And 
if a person does not look deeply into such things he may 
wish the same fortune for himself. 

" But the idler does nothing for his own welfare. He 
may spend one year or a lifetime at that and at last has 
nothing to show for it. 

" Idleness, however, does not stop at that point. It 
usually leads its devotee into some kind of trouble or 
crime. To move is as much a part of living beings as to 
occupy space. 

" In regard to property there are two extremes. One 
person is raised in the midst of poverty. His parents 
own no land, no home, and hence are altogether depend-- 
ent on the wishes of others for something to do to earn 
a living. It may be that he hardly has a piece of pine to 
whittle into objects to please his fancy. To good books 
he is likely a stranger. Ignorant and idle, he spends 
the years of life on a very low plane of existence. Such 
is his fortune because he has nothing worthy of his en- 
deavors to do. He lives struggling to barely sustain 
life. 

" Or it may be that, stung by his wretchedness, he be- 
stirs himself, finds work and opportunity and improves his 
condition. This is one extreme, the other is that of a 
person born heir to wealth and all it can supply. For 
him there is the opportunity to do the work of several 
men if he could. But instead of developing his powers 
he settles down to a life of ease and has others to do 
everything for him. They raise his food, weave and 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 41 

make his clothing, beautify the landscape, and exercise 
their talents for art and music to please his taste and 
fancy. Condemned by fortune to be a parasite, as his 
opposite is to be an idler, he lives altogether on the labors 
of others. His days are spent in the pursuit of pleas- 
ure. To me it is a sad sight to see the son of a man of 
good parts and great industry spending his years in idle- 
ness and his substance in evil indulgences. 

" Of course, neither poverty nor wealth absolutely com- 
pels one to lead a useless life. On either side noble indi- 
viduals may be found. But the current is strongly down- 
wards. Poor boys have reached out and found plenty to 
do. Rich ones have pushed aside barriers and placed 
their names high among those of the useful and gener- 
ous. It is not what one has but what he is and does that 
make up his real worth." 

" Do not some people put in too much time in their 
pursuits and thus become mere drudges? May not one 
labor too many hours as well as too few? " 

" Yes, it is possible to wear out or to rust away. 

"But my" point is this : A young person should form 
the habit of doing useful work rather than seeking pleas- 
ure for its own sake. The consciousness of time well 
spent is very sweet. Industry and idleness are to a great 
extent habits. To be doing nothing is very unpleasant 
for some persons. Others find no pleasure in wholesome 
exercise. 

" It is better to do any honorable work than to loaf and 
gossip. Faithfulness in a lowly calling as well as in 



42 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

higher circles merits esteem. The man who tills well 
and beautifies one acre has done far better than a loafer. 
The one with talents and means which enable him to 
employ to good advantage the labor of thousands may 
do more and be, by the difference, of so much more bene- 
fit to his race. 

" To pass the years of life at making a living or even a 
fortune is too narrow a field of exercise. More than one 
element enters into duty. Man has mental powers to be 
developed, social feelings to be encouraged in some re- 
spects and restrained in others, a higher nature to foster. 
With a wise use of books, contact with other persons, 
and bearing one's share of the burden of uplifting the 
race, we can find a helpful change of thought. 

" There is too much wishing for an education and not 
enough effort, too much dreaming about a fortune and 
not enough working and saving. 

" Almost any one can become well informed in a few 
years by putting his spare time to good use. Many ap- 
pear to think themselves too good to get down to any 
kind of hard work. They hope by some means to drift 
into the possession of plenty. 

" Pass youth in idleness and indulgence and age will 
find you empty handed and complaining of a hard lot in 
life. It is much better to labor and save something 
every year than to do nothing and hope for good fortune. 

" A few dollars saved yearly soon count up and add 
to the independence of their owner. Wishing for it can- 
not add much to one's mental store, but an hour or two 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 43 

passed daily in good company or with instructive books 
will." 

" I had not thought along the line of this subject be- 
fore, but see clearly that your counsel is all right. Many 
a bad habit had its beginning in the hour of idleness. 
And the best successes have behind them patient, persist- 
ent effort. They have grown much as a tree does, 
slowly while small, then faster as its branches and leaves 
multiply." 



44 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 



CHAPTER VI. 

THROUGH DOUBT TO FAITH. 

One day Paul's pastor came to him and made the fol- 
lowing statement: "My wife is sick, and my children 
are in need of the necessaries of life. Money is due me, 
but at present I am unable to collect it. I hardly know 
what to do." Shocked at the thought of such distress, 
with the deep impulses of a young man of true emotions, 
he asked how much was needed to afford relief. 

" Oh," said the other, " I could not think of asking a 
young man struggling to improve his financial status as 
you are, to give me anything. If you would loan me a 
small amount, say a hundred dollars, for a few weeks 
until I can collect some accounts due me, it would be all 
I could have the heart to ask of you. And I assure you 
the favor would be very much appreciated." 

Upon hearing that, Paul at once filled out a check for 
the amount named and handed it to him. He said that 
he was glad to be able to help a friend tide over his mis- 
fortunes and hoped that his wife would soon be well. 
The check was accepted with warm expressions of grati- 
tude and the assurance given that the favor would soon 
be returned. 

Our young friend went on to his work in a happy state 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 45 

of mind. It was a pleasure to be able to render another 
comfort, and he thought that the poor woman would 
soon be much better cared for. In fancy he pictured 
himself, when he would be delighted to give all the un- 
fortunate near him such help as they needed. It would 
be a genuine pleasure to help worthy people when in dis- 
tress. In looking through the locals of his home paper 
a few days afterwards he came across the following : 

"Reverend Peter Phamen and family left this morn- 
ing for a few weeks' visit to the coast. We wish them a 
pleasant trip, and trust that they may soon be back again 
in our midst." 

Some time after their return, Paul had a business ob- 
ligation to meet. After using all he had saved up, he still 
had need of more. Thinking that surely Mr. Phamen 
could repay the sum loaned to him, he went to get it. 
The wife met him at the door, invited him to come in and 
have a seat, and said that she would call her husband. 
As he looked out through the pretty lace curtains while 
waiting, he could not help thinking that the lot of a single 
man is hard; that it takes the touch of a woman's hand 
to make a house a home. The memory of his experience 
with Azile came over him and made him sick at heart. 
Busied with his thoughts, he paid no attention to the 
lapse of time. At last Reverend Phamen came in, gave 
him a cordial greeting, and apologized for his delay by 
saying that he had been doing some much-needed work. 
He described his trip with glowing words, said that it 
had made him feel like a new man, and had brought back 



4:6 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

the color to his wife's cheeks. Again Paul was glad to 
to have done so much good, and hoped that the time 
would soon come when he could not only lend, but give 
to deserving persons. After a pleasant talk he stated his 
business. 

" Yes, brother Paul," said the other, " I have neglected 
to see after that. If I had thought of you needing the 
amount I would have had it for you. I shall get it by 
to-morrow." As that would be all right, he went on to 
his place of business; going by his creditor's, he told 
him that if it would be satisfactory, he would settle the 
debt next day. Of course it would be, so he dismissed the 
subject from his, mind until the following evening when 
he again went by Mr. Phamen's. That gentleman was 
not at home, but his wife said that he would be later 
in the day, and if Paul did not have time to stay to come 
again. So in the morning he called, but the one he 
wished to see could not be found. And for several suc- 
ceeding days his efforts to that end were futile. It be- 
came plain that the man avoided him. On the third day, 
the young man borrowed on his note the sum needed; 
then he made his settlement and gave as a reason for his 
delay the facts just stated. 

For quite a while Reverend Phamen vanished from 
sight whenever he saw Paul. But one day while turning 
a corner of the street, they unexpectedly met. Only a 
few words were passed before the other said he must 
hurry on to answer the urgent call of a sick friend. They 
went different ways, but a little later he was seen to enter 



A young man's problems 47 

the yard at his own home. From that time on, their 
paths appeared to run parallel, until the report was spread 
that Reverend Phamen expected to leave soon for a new 
field of labor ; and that already he was having his house- 
hold goods hauled to the train. Having assured himself 
that such was the case, Paul hunted up his debtor and 
asked for an explanation of his conduct. The answer 
was: 

" The money is spent ; but I have nothing with which 
to replace it. I am sorry that this is true, but cannot help 
it now." Our young friend turned sadly away. He 
grieved not so much on account of the loss of his money 
as at the want of confidence in others that he painfully 
felt. Long before, he learned that not all business men 
could be trusted in such matters, but this experience had 
come as a sad revelation. 

" If such men are not trustworthy, who is ?" was a 
question that burdened him. Added to this came the in- 
fluence of the discussion about the Higher Criticism 
which was then going the round of the press. Since 
childhood he had believed that his Bible was free from 
errors; that every word of the original was divinely in- 
spired; that the text had been kept pure through all the 
ages, and that every letter in it was just as it should be. 
He came across the following statement of one of the 
most noted preachers of the day : "I believe in neither 
an infallible book, nor an infallible church, only in an in- 
fallible God." 

At first he denied, even resented the expression. But 



48 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

it stirred him and raised a question in his mind that must 
be settled. His study of the sciences had developed a 
habit of inquiring after facts. He would go to the bot- 
tom of the question and know for himself, because the 
truth was dearer to him than any opinion or creed. In 
the course of his inquiry he came across an article, writ- 
ten by another eminent clergyman, citing passages to 
prove that the Scriptures have errors of different kinds 
in them. Doubt took a strong hold on his mind. He 
carried the paper to a local pastor, showed him the article, 
and asked for light on the question. The response was a 
stare, a sneer, and " Have you turned infidel ?" And he 
was informed that a man in his right mind would not 
entertain such questions, as they had their source in the 
infernal regions. His respect for the man kept him 
from replying what he thought, which was : 

" It seems that you prefer to cling to your creed, 
whether right or wrong, that one must by force of will 
compel the assent of his mind to what, in fact, he doubts. 
Let me know the truth, though it blasts every hope I have 
ever cherished." All his spare time was spent in investi- 
gating the subject. His belief had been moulded by men 
who did not know one Greek letter from another. 
Against the assertions of these were those of others who 
had spent a good part of their lives studying and teach- 
ing that language. These said that errors had been 
made in translations, and that at some points original 
documents varied. Statements of that nature from such 
sources could not be lightly passed over by one who would 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS- 4:9 

rather be than seem. In order to reach convictions of his 
own, he again took up the study of Greek and went as 
far towards the sources as he could. He learned that 
while agreeing for the most part, in some respects, the 
primitive documents differed; that a verse put in at one 
point had been the cause of much controversy. That 
the presence or absence of even so small a word as an 
article could change a general to a special proposition, 
or the other way. In places whole paragraphs have been 
inserted or omitted, though which it is, no living man 
can tell. Here were facts to which his search for truth 
had brought him. He knew that he had accepted some 
statements that were not true, that the best evidence to 
be had would not sustain them. If the Septuagint differs 
from the records as preserved in Hebrew; if the Greek 
codex at St. Petersburg is not in all respects the same as 
that at Rome, and these in turn do not fully agree with 
those found elsewhere, nor with the Syriac version of 
about the same age, where shall man place his faith? 
When some of the leading scholars of the day translate 
with a special word that which their equals render with 
a general term, who can know which is right? Were 
good men in the first century of our era biased in their 
statements and partisans rather than truth-seekers, like 
most good people of to-day? All these questions, and 
more, rose in his mind as he delved into the subject. If 
he had been a person of weak will, he would have wished 
that he had never begun to inquire. Though a gloom 
came over his mind and unrest filled his heart, he did not 



50 a young man's problems 

regret his course. He knew not what to believe, nor 
where to place his faith. Doubt filled his life with pain. 
It is a trying time when man comes to such an hour. Yet 
to strong characters, it is as the darkness just before the 
dawn. For the pangs of the doubting mind are the birth 
throes of personal conviction and belief. Through this 
period each must go alone. How can one help another 
at such a time? Will ridicule avail? No, and it will 
add to the anguish. Can reason lift the burden? No, 
for she has not the data. Sympathy might be helpful, 
but one in such a mental state questions all things. Hu- 
man help fails unless to say " Be true ; do right ; and at 
last you will find peace." 

Time passed very slowly with Paul as he struggled 
towards the light. He felt as if he was alone in the vast 
universe, with only force and disorder about him. But 
looking deeper into the whirl which rose up on every 
side, he came to see that there were lines of motion ; and 
thus he recognized the existence of law. At this a gleam 
flashed through the bewildering darkness, and he saw in- 
telligence enthroned above all. And he knew that this 
eternal mind is good. The dawn was deepening into 
day. He saw that justice and right are in many instances 
two names for the same thing, and that the word power 
may also mean love. Again his heart began to trust and 
love. He took up once more the Bible his mother had 
given him. It seemed like a different book. With wide 
sweep of mind he saw there too, as he had read in the 
book of Nature, law and power supporting love and per- 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 51 

meated by her presence. Statements which in other days 
he had accepted as true because he had been taught so, 
now bore witness for themselves. The questions raised 
by the critics had ceased to trouble him, for he found so 
many things he knew to be true. His faith no longer 
trembled with a changing view of the Book as a whole. 
Truth is its own best witness. Here and there he found 
passages so convincing that he would have clung to and 
treasured them had he been sure that all the rest of the 
Book was false. As the leaf, pale and dry, falling from a 
mighty oak on a summer's day is no proof that the tree 
is not alive, so the blunders of human hands and minds 
that have marred the great Book cannot overthrow its 
living force. Very many of its statements appeal to the 
mind as light does to the eye, as living touch witnesses 
for itself. In the growing plants of field and forest, in 
the floating clouds and twinkling stars are beauty and 
order. And the end of beauty and order is to benefit. 
But they are not first causes. Back of them is the ener- 
gizing, controlling spirit that works by and through them. 
To that spirit the best that is in man is responsive. In 
nature all around him are evidences of wisdom and good- 
ness that he who wills to may clearly see. As he knew 
that the sun shines, that the birds sing, that the flowers 
are fragrant, so the truths he saw and read addressed 
themselves to his mind. He took the Nazarene for 
teacher because he knew Him to be worthy. In Him 
he saw the form of the true, the brave, the pure, and lova- 
ble for all ages. Trying to be just and live right he had 



52 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

come into conscious touch with the truth; aye, with the 
Infinite One, for when one does the best he knows and 
seeks for truth he is sure to find the quest of his soul. He 
came to see that not place nor profession, but right prin- 
ciples make men ; that in the lowliest as well as the high- 
est walks of life there may be true manhood and pure 
womanhood, that justice, kindness and honesty must 
grow from a right faith. And, too, he knew that not the 
profession but the conduct of life is the correct index of 
a man's belief. 

Months had passed away. One fine autumn day, Paul 
had an overland trip to make in order to attend to some 
business. Early in the morning he mounted his horse 
and started across the country. The air was fresh and 
bracing, and the sky a clear, deep blue. An enlivening 
breeze was blowing from the northwest. The odor of 
the ripening fruits in the orchards reached far away. 
Birds and insects were singing good-bye to the summer. 
All colors blended in the beauty of the forest leaves. Na- 
ture made an almost overpowering impression on his 
mind. The memory of other days rose up. These 
thoughts came rushing into his mind and, for the time 
made him forget all else. 

" A man to whom I gave my confidence without asking 
if he was worthy betrayed the trust I put in him. His 
actions so shocked me that for some time I would trust 
no one. But I knew all the time that he was extravagant, 
vain and self-indulgent, and I should never have humored 
him. He ought to have been checked in his course then 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 53 

and there. He had been contracting debts and moving 
away from them for years. The second time he did that 
wrong, he should have been so thoroughly exposed that 
he would never have dared to try the like action again. 
It is not kind to indulge such weaklings. For a time it 
seemed to me that all preachers were just like him. I 
ought to have known better. Most of them are true men 
and worthy of reliance. One should use common sense 
in all such cases and judge by character and not by the 
place one holds. Instead of saying that as one of a kind 
is so are all of his fellows, it is well to remember that in 
every department of work the good and bad toil side by 
side. It does not follow that because one preacher is 
false to his trust, all are, any more than it does that be- 
cause one doctor does not understand his business all 
others are ignorant. Such rash conclusions would break 
all ties existing between men. My season of doubt was 
one of the most painful periods of my life. To feel that 
one's confidence has been trifled with, that no knowledge 
is sure, and that darkness and chaos reign in the mental 
and spiritual realms, is a burden almost too great to bear. 
But now that it is passed, I would not have it otherwise. 
After the storm comes quiet, after doubt comes peace. 
My make-up demands a sure basis of belief. All my na- 
ture revolts at the thought of a feigned faith. In other 
days, I had a religious belief such as one has in history. 
I accepted things because they were told me, or I had 
read them. Now my belief is as much a fact to me as are 
the axioms of mathematics. In that realm many truths 



54: A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

are as clear to my mind as the fact that the sun shines. 
Take the ideal from the mind of man and he goes where 
environment urges, but as a living force it uses circum- 
stances as helps to unfold and lift up itself. The religious 
nature is as much a part of a human being as are the 
hands. It is an essential factor in his best development; 
for the feeling of pleasure and desire to realize the best 
which one has when thinking of the true and good are 
two of the mightiest forces for weal that work on human 
character. As the mutual attractions between them hold 
sun and worlds to their places, so love and truth should 
guide and strengthen man in the right. In one age doubt 
is raised by the questions connected with the subject of 
evolution or the Higher Criticism. In another, the influ- 
ence of a corrupt church or of disputes in regard to some 
accepted doctrine sets the truth-seeking youth to inquire 
about the foundations of his belief. Out of this painful 
struggle, he comes with personal convictions of right 
and truth." 

By this time Paul was at his journey's end. He at- 
tended to his affairs and started homewards. The beauty 
and quiet of landscape and sky quickened the nobler im- 
pulses of his mind, while his heart throbbed with a pur- 
pose such as makes man an honor to his race, 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 55 



CHAPTER VII. 

CONDUCT TOWARDS WOMAN. 

Paul had a roommate named Tom Manson with whom 
he talked over various subjects. Among other things, 
the question came up of proper conduct when in the com- 
pany of women. Tom, a dark-haired, dark-complex- 
ioned young fellow, with full lips and laughing eyes, 
spoke his views first : "I like a woman who has some 
feelings and is not all the time restraining herself and 
those about her. These over-good beings who are un- 
willing to let a man touch them, who shake hands with 
the tips of their ringers, and stand off from one with an 
air that seems to say, * Keep at your distance, sir. There 
is a chasm between you and me,' are too cold-blooded to 
suit my notion. Miss Mary Fielding, who visited this 
place last summer, is a type of womanhood that I do not 
admire. At a distance, her golden-tinted hair, fair face, 
and cherry-red lips charmed you. But coming closer to her 
there was a coldness in her glance that fairly chilled one 
to meet it. It was beauty with the charm of the diamond 
instead of that of a warm, living creature. Give me the 
girl who is fond of a parlor dance and does not faint at 
the thought of a caress. What are women for, if not to 
be loved ? And one without feeling, who is unresponsive, 



56 



reminds me of an iceberg. Miss Fielding would not let 
you get in three feet of her to say ' good-bye,' though 
there was no eye to see, only the beams of the silent stars 
to witness the parting. And as to dancing, she would 
not hear of such a thing as a round dance. She wanted 
you away off so that she could keep you at your distance 
with those cold, blue eyes. Who could love such a wom- 
an? A cold sweetheart makes an indifferent wife. I 
would as lief court the goddess of flowers and be done 
with it as to love such a woman. I like the shock and the 
thrill a pair of sweet lips can give. Let me look into 
eyes that seem to say, ' Love me, love me.' ' To this 
Paul replied: 

" It appears to me that you like to play too close to the 
danger line. It does not follow that a woman is cold- 
hearted because she does not allow the caresses of the 
young men who wait on her. You like to flirt, and the 
more girls you have interested in you the better you are 
pleased. I think more of one who keeps in her place and 
holds me to mine. In talking to me of you once, Miss 
Fielding gave your disposition so perfectly that I will 
tell you some of the things she said : ' Mr. Manson is 
very impulsive. He knows that he is handsome and de- 
lights to have all the young women admiring him. He 
thinks I am too cold. But it would be better for him if 
he only associated with self-poised young ladies. He 
does not know where to check himself, and needs the re- 
straint of a steady eye. Once roused, passion may be- 
come an awful master. He is wise who refuses to trifle 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 57 

with it.' You see she read your nature all too well, and 
suited her conduct to you. A young man cannot afford 
to go with girls who are over-fond of a caress. Your 
sweet one who loves all usually ends her social career by 
marrying for money or position, and cares about as much 
for her husband as she does for a dozen others. The 
truth is, the affections as well as the thoughts can be 
scattered until they have very little intensity and fixed- 
ness. As an offset to your views, I shall give you an ac- 
count of an experience I once had with one of your kind 
of girls. While I was at Mason on some business last 
spring, my heme was with an old friend. He and his 
wife held me in high esteem and gave me welcome to the 
best they had. At the time, one of his nieces, a 
young woman about grown, was visiting them. And it 
fell to her lot to entertain me in the evening after supper. 
She was a maiden with soft, brown eyes, a clear com- 
plexion between the color of the white and red rose, a 
very sweet voice, and gentle, winning manners. She 
sang a number of touching songs and was warm-hearted 
and trustful. I had some legal matters to attend to and 
was detained there for over a month. So we became 
quite well acquainted. On the evening under considera- 
tion she had sung at her best a number of her sweetest 
love songs, and then first one and then the other had been 
telling some touching romance. Only a short time be- 
fore I had read ' Lucile' for the fifth time and wound up 
by relating to her that story. I had an extra good grasp 
of the plot that night and the narration deeply stirred her 



58 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

feelings. For the time ' Lucile's ' distress of hope or 
passion seemed to be her own. The color would come to 
her cheeks or fade away as the heroine was about to gain 
or lose her lover forever. She was looking me straight 
in the eye and it touched me to note the changing expres- 
sion in hers. When I ceased talking her gaze seemed to 
be riveted on me. Directly her lashes drooped and she 
threw herself into my arms. For an instant I clasped her 
to me, but the next moment my old motto to treat all 
women as I would have my own sister treated came rush- 
ing into my mind. I was irresolute for a short time ; then 
I gently lifted and placed her in an armchair, and 
changed the subject. Suppose I had accustomed myself 
to think and act as you say you do, Tom." 

" It was best for her and for me, too, that it was you." 
" Yes," said Paul, " I also am glad it was not you, and 
that in hours of sober thought I had resolved never to 
wrong a trusting woman. The next evening, when alone 
with her, she said to me : ' Mr. Essen, you are one of the 
noblest and best men living. Last night I allowed my 
feelings to overpower me. I now realize fully that it is 
wise to keep a strong restraint over one's self. I shall 
always be thankful that the hour of my weakness found 
me in the power of a pure-minded man. My gratitude 
will go out to you as long as I live/ and, Tom, I am sure 
that the lesson she learned then will be a blessing to her 
through all the years of her young womanhood. When I 
remember how grateful she was it is a source of both 
pleasure and strength to me." 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 59 

Tom replied : "I have been accustomed to think that 
a man has a right to every privilege he can take with a 
woman ; that it is his part to make the advances and hers 
to check him where she wants him to stop. I have en- 
joyed caressing one way and another many of those who 
accepted my attentions. But your illustration puts the 
case in a new light to me. The fact that you were her 
uncle's friend and guest led her to trust you very much 
as she would have confided in him. It also put you on 
your honor not to abuse her reliance on you. I see now 
that there are various reasons for which a young woman 
may lay aside her reserve and which virtually place her 
companion on his manhood to defend her character." 

" More than that, Tom ; she who favors you with her 
company, in that very act grants you what she would 
deny a stranger. Why? Because she thinks you are 
worthy of her confidence. You would not introduce a 
man of unscrupulous principles to one of your kinswom- 
en. Nor do I think you would to any other lady. So, in 
truth, a man is honor bound to cherish the self-respect 
and good name of the one who accepts his company. 
And Heaven gives a man no sweeter pleasure on earth 
than the society of a woman whom he believes to be as 
pure as the all-enveloping ether, and as true to the right 
as the earth is to her course about the sun. Belief in 
goodness both blesses and ennobles." 

" I agree with you in that, Paul. And I give you my 
word that from this hour the good name of the young 



60 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

woman whose company I keep shall be as sacred to me 
as that of my sisters." 

" And you will find," said his friendly adviser, " that 
you will not only foster your own self-respect by such a 
course, but also realize the deepest peace of mind possible 
for you. When one is and does what he knows is right, 
he is at one with himself. The spirit of such a person is 
in harmony with his Creator. Money cannot measure the 
worth of the satisfaction that comes to him who has done 
no one a willful wrong." 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 61 



CHAPTER VIII. 

DOING AS OTHERS DO. 

" You have won your point on the question of honor 
with woman, but I am not so sure you are right in regard 
to the way you make friends. You could have many 
more if you were not so strait-laced on some minor 
points. I happened along the other day, just as some 
men were talking about you, and decided to stop and hear 
them through with it. All agreed that you are fair- 
minded and well-disposed towards others. But it was 
urged against you that you were too particular about 
little things. Two of the crowd stated in support of that 
view the fact that you had declined to go with them into 
a place where strong drink is sold. So many men use 
liquor now that if you want to be popular you will have 
to get over that." 

" There is something in your claim, but not much. If 
a man treats others with respect and kindness wherever 
he meets them, he will gain their good will even though 
in some respects he opposes them. If you had asked those 
same men, if they respected me any less for my course 
they would have said ' no.' In fact, the person who in- 
dulges in that habit looks on it as such, and, in his heart, 
honors the man who denies himself. The trouble has 



b2 A YOUNG MAN S PROBLEMS 

been that so many abstainers have been invalids of one 
kind or another, and so were not as pleasant as they 
might have been. Indeed, many of them have been sour 
and sarcastic, and just as bad in their extreme way as the 
drinking man in his ; and perhaps they were even worse. 
The one tried to be friendly, the other did not even want 
to be. That has been the case so much that to-day, in the 
minds of many persons, a temperate person is supposed 
to be a morose one. You can make friends of a kind by 
doing as others want you. But that is not a solid base. 
To make the right kind of ties, you must always look at 
a person's principles and appeal to the noblest and best. 
How many who have drunk because it was the fashion, 
and sworn in accord with custom, are not only penniless 
but also friendless/ ' 

" Yes, but men notice that you do not join them, are 
not with them, and in the very nature of the case consider 
you proud and distant." 

" It is true that I will not go with them to some places 
nor do in all things as they do. They watch me in order 
to find something to sustain the disfavor which such a 
course may bring on one. But when I keep on in my 
course and show them all the kindness in my power, they 
cease to be hostile and give me both their good will and 
confidence. As to close friends, no one can have many. 
And, to be satisfactory, each must be the other's mutual 
choice. Respect comes to the person who respects him- 
self; and in the hour of need men go to such for help too." 

" You defend your position well. But, Paul, the per- 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 63 

son who wants to bind others to him must mingle with 
them. If you only desire the favor of those of real worth, 
you are right in your position. But such a choice nar- 
rows one's circle too much. You appear to walk among 
your fellow-creatures and, now and then when you can 
find one to your notion, grapple him to you with strong 
ties. The others you let go. In regard to the company 
of women, you make a similar choice. There are the Cay- 
nor sisters, of good family, well-to-do, and having admir- 
ers far and near. You hardly ever have anything to do 
with any of their circle, though they move in the best and 
would gladly welcome you. They are lively and affec- 
tionate, and it does not make them shiver for you to touch 
them. Their family influence would be worth a good 
deal to anyone. It is true, that they are just a little fast 
but they will outgrow that. When you go in company 
it is with such girls as the Mallons, who are never known 
to vary from the strictest conduct. They are good and 
true, but too particular. Their influence does not reach 
far enough. Their manners, looks, and bearing all say 
' keep from me.' " 

" That is why they suit me, Tom. I want to believe in 
the purity and nobleness of womanhood ; and when I am 
in their presence, I do. What you think to be chilling in- 
difference is only strong self-poise. Some women prefer 
to influence men as a ripe, fragrant apple does — through 
the senses by direct appeal. Others choose to move you 
as a great work in nature stirs one. Not flashy but con- 
stant, they must be known to be appreciated. For this 



64: A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

reason, it would be better for young men to go in the com- 
pany of their own mothers and sisters more than they do. 
Innate worth is the basis of enduring ties of friendship. 
I have never approved of Caesar divorcing his wife, but 
have often admired his statement : ' Caesar's wife must 
be above suspicion.' So I say about the woman whose 
company I keep. If following that course leads me 
wrong in the end, I will keep quiet and make the best of 
my fortune. You remember that pretty Alrich girl and 
Guy Inwin. She was a charming young woman, and he 
in many respects a fine fellow. Both belonged to good 
families and won admiration wherever they went. He 
used to sit here and relate by the hour his experience with 
her. It was taken as a matter of course that he would 
embrace her every time he had a chance. She would go 
out with him to the front gate when he started home, so 
that as she coyly said, ' no one could see the bye-bye.' 
Many a time he had taken off her slippers, and he claimed 
to know the exact measure of her ankles and waist. 
Surely they had a time. You doubtless remember, too, 
how he said it stirred his passions, and into what kind of 
company he went from her side ; and that he could never 
marry her, because he did not have enough confidence 
in her virtue. Guy is paying pretty dearly now for all 
that. He is in a city hospital, dying a loathsome death 
brought on by his folly. Not long ago I had a letter from 
him telling me all about his case and expressing regret 
that he had ever met Nora Alrich, as his liberties with 
her had broken down his scruples and started him on his 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 65 

fatal career. Of course, she wanted him to caress her. 
She would expect the same of you or me were we to go 
with her. He who abandons his principles and does to 
please others will sooner or later regret his mistake. 
There are just three steps in the ladder that leads a man 
out of the world by that route; the fast girl, the fallen 
woman, and the disease that ends in death. And for the 
girl there are only two steps below to the same end. Very 
often she takes the matter in her own hands and makes 
the last even shorter. I do not say that all fast women 
come to that; but they are taking awful risks. And so 
is the young man who keeps company with them. But 
there is a higher view of the question than that. I look 
on the tie that binds man to woman as sacred. Some 
day I hope to have a home of my own, and for its mistress 
one whom I can trust, respect, and love. I am deter- 
mined that she shall have the best man it is in my pov/er 
to make out of myself, and one who will be faithful to 
her." 

"You are right in that, Paul. Too often we seek the 
pleasant or easy way instead of the right and best one. 
If one aims to reach a high standard and meets with dis- 
appointments, he still has the pleasure of knowing that 
he has done his best. Sometimes it seems to me that I 
may be drifting the wrong way. When I am out with 
the boys, I surely enjoy myself. But my conscience 
does not always let me rest when it is done. Man is a 
social being and needs friends even as he requires pure 
air. Some are too hard to please, hence have no friends. 



66 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

Others ask too little and would be better off without any 
than such as they have. People have a way of acting in 
crowds and doing what they would not as individuals, 
and one has to keep up with his company or fall into dis- 
favor. The notion of loyalty to associates is very strong 
and many insist that if you want to be one with them, 
you must do just as they. In their places, amusement 
and good cheer are all right. The person who never 
smiles, as well as the one who does not know where play 
should end, is to be avoided. Often a good joke and 
laugh make a fine tonic. I even think that we might 
sometimes enjoy pranks, if they are harmless and played 
without any ill will. But of late I have been doing some 
serious thinking. One cause of it is the fate of a friend 
of my childhood. As boys we were strongly attached 
to each other. Where one was the other was likely to 
be. But, about the time we were entering our teens, 
his father moved and we could not be together nearly 
so much. Still we visited. At the time of separation 
we were alike in our habits and tastes. Three or four 
years afterwards he shocked me by swearing in my 
presence. I looked at him in surprise. He blushed and 
said : ' I cannot help it, Tom. My comrades tease me 
so as to make me swear like they do.' As we began to 
enter society our ways parted more widely. He went 
with reckless boys and girls. I remember to have met 
him once at a friend's and heard him tell of his adven- 
tures. He confessed that he went from the company of 
the fast girl to that of the fallen woman along with his 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 67 

crowd. He drank with them, too, and sometimes to ex- 
cess. Deeper and deeper he plunged into his course. 
His features became coarse, almost beastly, his manners 
unpleasant. Even his wayward companions stood aloof 
from him. Some time ago as I stood beside his coffin the 
tears streamed down my cheeks. He had died from the 
effects of too much drinking. Standing there, I contrast- 
ed the innocent, warm-hearted friend of my early days 
with his character of later years. Two persons could 
hardly be more unlike. I wondered if his companions 
had made the change ; if it was possible for one's friends 
to alter his conduct as his had been since first we played 
together. He still lingers in my memory as the sunny- 
haired, freckle-faced boy I used to love, and it brings the 
tears to my eyes to think of his sad end. If his strong 
impulses had been directed the other way, I might now 
rejoice in his usefulness and good name. I have almost 
made up my mind to change my course. For, to tell 
you the truth, my conscience does not lash me as it used 
to. And I am afraid I may drift too far before I know 
it." 

" I wish you would make that resolution now, Tom. 
A young man cannot afford to be reckless or go in that 
kind of company. Of course, some natures are more 
easily influenced than others, but all of us are moulded 
to some extent by our companions. It is a power that 
widens with time. One may do such things for a month 
or even a year and seem to be changed very little. But 
if we look at the effect through an extended period, it 



68 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

becomes quite plain that such a course is dangerous. It 
is not wise nor best to do as others unless they do right. 
If you would go to your associates, talk the matter over 
with them as you have with me, and all agree to live 
different lives, it would be a noble choice. A manly 
thing too for you to do is to go to that girl you have been 
caressing and apologize for your conduct. To be sure, 
it would shock her, but not much more than she is when 
your arm is around her; and the thrill would be whole- 
somer for both of you." 

" Oh, I cannot do that, Paul ; I cannot do that." 

" Few men are willing to undo the wrong they have 
done a woman. Yet there is nothing manlier than to 
lead back to the right those with whom you have gone 
astray." 

" But I have never gone far with her." 

" Far enough, though, that you are not likely to ask 
her to be your wife. You do not respect her as you 
would if you had not taken liberties with her. By cus- 
tom, woman sets the bounds of man's conduct towards 
her. But, in practice, it is his place to help her draw and 
keep the line. If men had more sense of honor, women 
would have more virtue." 

" If women were more virtuous, men would have 
more honor too." 

" That is also true, and our statements instead of con- 
flicting sustain each other. In that day of a stronger, 
nobler type of character for which we hope, both facts 
will be given their due weight." 



A YOUNG MANS PROBLEMS 



69 



" You are right, Paul ; and, hereafter, I expect to listen 
more to the voice of justice and reason. Custom cannot 
make right that which in its very nature is wrong. To 
compromise one's sense of right is too high a price to pay 
for popular applause. When a person chooses to go 
wrong, he quiets the remonstrances of his better nature 
with the plea that he will not hold to such a course long. 
It is very much like saying to another : * I will go with 
you to the edge of the precipice, but if you fall over that 
will be at your own peril/ The fact that we expect to 
forsake such ties is a witness against us. Friendship 
has a firmer basis. A person does others a favor when 
he declines to go wrong with them. When we judge by 
results, your views along these lines are seen to be cor- 
rect. But I would like you to tell how to gain control 
of one's self, especially over the passions and temper." 

" That is a hard problem ; but perhaps I can help you 



70 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 



CHAPTER IX. 

SELF-CONTROL. 

" Not long since a friend, who ranks high as a phy- 
sician, told me of an experience of his and gave some 
good advice with it. And as the counsel is good for 
almost any young man, I shall repeat it for your sake. 
His case, told in his own words as nearly as I can recall 
them, was this: 

" ' In the city where I commenced to practice was a 
very wealthy and eccentric old man. His whole mind 
seemed to be absorbed in his business. Already wealthy, 
he was working not simply to acquire thousands, but 
hundreds of thousands. His time and every power of 
his nature were spent in the pursuit of more money. His 
thoughts were so much taken up with such things that he 
even neglected to be social. Nothing else seemed to af- 
ford him any pleasure. If one succeeded in engaging 
him in a conversation, in a short time he would change 
it to business themes. I had just graduated from one 
of the best medical colleges in the country. Still I ex- 
pected to have a struggle of it for a time to make my in- 
come equal my expenses. But fortune favored me in a 
very unexpected way. Before I had been in the place 
a month I had a call to visit the home of this old gentle- 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 71 

man in a professional way. His wife was unwell. Soon 
after my arrival in the city, he had been pointed out to 
me as the richest and one of the most influential citizens. 
I observed that he was well along in years, hence ex- 
pected to find an agreeable old lady wearing ruffles, cap 
and glasses. Judge my surprise to find his wife a proud, 
beautiful, young woman of about twenty-five. The dif- 
ference between what I had expected and the person as she 
was shocked me so that I was very nervous. But she 
was quite free with me, and that afforded much relief. 
After as thorough examination of her as I could make, 
I failed to find anything the matter with her. I judged 
that she had nothing to do and was perhaps subject to 
moods. But it would not do to have told her that, so I 
gave her complaint an unusual Greek name, and fixed 
her up a few harmless doses. After the directions were 
written we sat and talked for some time, and she became 
quite cheerful. Upon leaving her, I remarked, that she 
was suffering from a sudden change in the weather and 
would soon feel all right. To say that I was pleased to 
have the wife of such a man for a patient is to put the 
case very mildly. If I could keep the practice of that 
family it would give all the prestige I wanted and was a 
guarantee of calls to others of the best homes. I went 
back to my office and took up my studies with no little 
zeal. It was hard to keep from telling friends about my 
good fortune. But silence is better than boasting, so I 
kept quiet about it and studied all the harder. A few 
days later, it was my pleasure to have a second call to 



72 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

visit her. It seemed now that my business success was 
assured. Her condition was very much as it had been 
before. This time, I questioned her closely and made 
as careful examination as was in my power. The result 
confirmed my first diagnosis. Again I made up some 
simple remedies to quiet her nerves and tone up her sys- 
tem. Then we had quite a long talk, which seemed to do 
her much good. She told me that she had made a sad 
mistake in marrying an old man for his money and social 
position, and that she was not happy. I told her that, in 
the course of time, she would get used to his ways and 
become better reconciled. This seemed to satisfy her; 
and, at my departure, she was apparently in high spirits. 
This time I made an exhaustive reading of my standards 
in search of a parallel to her case. The study convinced 
me that she had no physical trouble. Brooding over her 
condition brought on depression. From this she sought 
relief in me. 

" ' The chance to make my mark of distinction was at 
hand. I determined to use it, do all in my power to 
cheer, and thus secure her influence to help me. Fortune 
was holding out blessings with both hands. Diligent, 
faithful work, coupled with a little tact, would surely 
bring me a reward. Every talent of my mind was called 
into exercise. It was only two or three days before she 
sent for me again. This time she had me ushered into 
her bedroom. I noticed that her toilet had been care- 
fully made and that there was an unusual expression in 
her charming face. She had me take a seat in a large 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS T3 

armchair and sat down quite near me. We talked a short 
time. Then I drew out my watch and placed my hand 
on her wrist to count her pulse. It became plain to me 
that she was in a very nervous, uneasy state of mind, 
and I at once grasped the cause. For an instant my 
power to reason appeared to leave me and I was left 
speechless. 

She broke the silence by saying : " My marriage was a 
fatal error. My husband cares all for his money and 
nothing for me." 

Now I had cause and effect together. Her energy 
needed some outlet. Plenty of motion is as essential to 
keep blood and nerves healthy as to make water pure. 
In either case sluggishness breeds disease. 

She was in the habit of pining over her condition and 
cherishing wrong thoughts. The current must be 
changed. Her active mind was in need of wholesome 
use. Her system was begging for work. 

The line of treatment came to me as an intuition. 
But did she have confidence enough in me to follow my 
counsel ? I judged that she would fly into a rage if told 
that all she needed was plenty of outdoor exercise. With 
all the composure at my command I told her that her 
case could be relieved in a short time and asked if she 
would follow my directions for two weeks. She prom- 
ised to do what I told her. My prescription was for her 
to live on bread, water and milk for that time and to 
walk and carry a bouquet of flowers daily to a young 
woman who had been hurt in a railroad wreck and was 



74 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

lying at the hospital about a mile away. I repeated the 
directions, told her that I would be at her command two 
weeks from that day, and with all trie composure and 
kindness I could command took my leave. 

" ' Upon inquiring I learned that she was making the 
daily trips and carrying beautiful bouquets with her. On 
the appointed day I again had a summons to visit her, 
and with some misgivings answered it. She met me at 
the door looking paler but prettier than I had ever seen 
her. She greeted me very pleasantly and conducted me 
to her private room. Directing me to a chair, she took 
another near by and said : " The gratitude of one woman 
is yours for life, doctor. I chose you for my physician 
because you are young and handsome. But Heaven 
must have sent you to me. You have taught me how 
to master my passions, have saved my home, and at the 
same time given the world a woman with a purpose and 
a will. Your tact secured my obedience to your orders. 
In doing something for that unfortunate young lady my 
aim in life has been entirely changed. Her smiles and 
gratitude have awakened a new set of feelings within 
me. The performance of a good deed gives sweet, pure 
happiness. I shall never cease to thank you for teach- 
ing me how to be strong and useful." To this day she 
freely gives her time and strength in caring for the sick 
and needy within her reach, and is one of the best friends 
and advisers of young people that I have ever known. 
She recommended me to her friends and helped me to 
secure a first-class practice. She treats me as though I 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 75 

was her brother. A person can and ought to govern 
himself. By taking plenty of exercise, attending to diet 
and habits, and taking an interest in the welfare of oth- 
ers one can control his emotions. Eat less, work more 
and keep away from the one who tempts you to go 
astray.' 

" That advice has been worth much to me. A young 
man does not have to be the slave of his passions. He 
does not need to follow a wrong custom or wicked im- 
pulse. 

" Then, too, one may become master of his temper. 
So many people have explosive tempers which lead them 
to do or say something that causes remorse and perhaps 
trouble. In a hasty look, word, or act there may be a 
lifelong sting. I can remember times when, as a child, I 
was desperate. A mad spirit seemed to rule me. In the 
house, along the roadside, and among my playmates, it 
was a disturbing factor. Punishment seemed powerless 
to check it. One day a friend played a joke on me. 
While in a rage at his conduct, I got hold of a deadly 
weapon and would have killed him on the spot, but for 
the kind interference of a third person. When the fury 
was spent, it left me weak. Afterwards, in thinking the 
matter over, I found grounds for serious alarm. It be- 
came plain that unless a change was made my temper 
would lead to some act that would embitter my life. It 
was growing more violent all the time. I felt ashamed, 
too, to think that I had so little control of myself. To 
have the respect of others had always been one of my 



76 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

aims. But how could one have that, how could he even 
have his own approval when so weak that any little jar 
to his nervous system could induce an almost frenzied 
state of mind? What to do, became a serious question. 
In my reading, I had come across some wise man's coun- 
sel saying : ' When angry count ten before speaking. If 
very angry, count a hundred.' From this I got the idea 
that silence would be helpful. Being deeply impressed 
that I ought to control myself, I determined to do so. 
What a task was before me. But I set myself to the ef- 
fort. Every little while I would be taken off my guard 
and give way to my feelings without thinking. But it 
is an awful thing to say something that may drive a 
friend or loved one from you forever, to utter words one 
minute that the next you would give all you possess to 
recall; to think of them cutting and rasping through all 
the years of another's life is startling. For years I have 
been wrestling with my temper and still it requires watch- 
ing. Self-enforced silence helps far towards the desired 
end. It is best for me to avoid talking on subjects that 
may irritate. When the storm of feeling is felt to be ris- 
ing let no harsh words escape the lips. In following this 
course, one sometimes has to endure things hard to be 
borne. But one compensating fact is that no remorse 
results from such conduct. The will was given to man 
to be kept strictly for his own use, and he who would have 
peace of mind must yield his will to none but his Maker. 
If my temper was not so strong, in some cases, I would 
be more exacting of others. But the wisest course is that 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 77 

which gives one self-restraint. If a person knows that 
he cannot swim, he should avoid deep water. One ought 
to know his weak point and keep a guard before it. Such 
a course will save many a heartache and foster self-re- 
spect. It is possible to enthrone the will over the conduct. 
And the results will repay all the effort." 

" Yes, Paul," said Tom, " there is something sublime 
in a strong, true character. The impulses and desires of 
men overlap. But there is a sure limit for each and 
that line is what we call right, one of the most far-reach- 
ing words in our language. The deepest, sweetest pleas- 
ure the mind can know is that whch flows from doing 
and being right. It is better to be the master of one's 
self and live with a pure purpose, than to govern an em- 
pire and be the slave of one's passions." 

" As to a matter of choice you are correct. But those 
two states are not exclusive. Those who acquire power 
over others first conquered themselves. A man is seen 
to have no fear of death ; and straightway his more timid 
comrades urge him to lead them in the assault against 
the foe. Grasp the difficulties of life firmly, and they 
wither within your hand. Resolve to control yourself, 
and you can." 

" These talks with you, Paul, about what man can be 
and ought to do give me a better opinion of the worth of 
human life. To think of the possible almost inspires 
me. I would be glad to have your views in regard to 
education. Some attach very little value to it, and others 



78 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

give learning a commanding position. What is your 
opinion?" 

" Amidst the multitude of voices thronging your ears, 
mine is but one. But I shall tell you plainly what I think 
about the subject." 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 79 



CHAPTER X. 

THE VALUE OF AN EDUCATION. 

" From a young man's standpoint, one of the first 
things to be decided in the matter is whether he has all 
the equipment he needs. Till manhood's years, he has 
in large measure been dependent on others by whom 
his course has been directed. It is only just to assume 
that they have done for him the best they knew and could. 
In some cases, this would afford all the education one 
could desire; in others, it has amounted to almost noth- 
ing. Poverty and misfortune, it may be, have oppressed 
both parent and child. Or, easy circumstances may have 
given all the opportunity needed in order to use to the 
best advantage the period of youth. For one to make the 
most of himself, it is required that a good foundation 
should have been laid. If the muscles have not been fair- 
ly well trained before this age it is hard to bring them to 
a high point of skill. If the mental parts have been neg- 
lected, it is too late to fully develop them. But let us sup- 
pose that at the age of seventeen or eighteen judicious 
parents are willing to encourage their children in the 
desire to make the most of themselves. What consider- 
ations should urge the youth to seek an education ? It is 
natural to man to desire to be strong. The human brain 



80 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

is strengthened by proper use. This proposition can be 
fairly proven. A person who at first effort memorizes a 
given number of words can by practicing a while learn 
many more in the same length of time. Experience, now 
so much demanded, has the basis of its worth in a judg- 
ment trained along some particular line. By repeated 
mastery of hard tasks, the will power is developed. A 
well-chosen system, then, affords exercise for strength- 
ening all the mental parts. History and geography train, 
in a special degree, the memory. A study of the lan- 
guages and sciences exercises the judgment, while math- 
ematics leads out the reasoning powers, and struggling 
to solve the hard problems in either of these fields devel- 
ops .the will. The person who takes a thorough course 
in a gymnasium has not only stronger muscles in each 
part used, but an increased amount of vigor with which 
to do each and all of life's duties. It is the same way 
with a well-educated person. He has more mental force 
than he would have had. A_nd this is for use in any field 
of work in which he cares to employ it. This fact, in it- 
self, is a most urgent reason why one should seek an 
education. If there was no other, it alone is enough to 
induce one to act." 

" Do you mean to say that the mastery of a school 
or college course gives added mental strength?" 

" Yes." 

" Then why is it that so many who have had no such 
advantages outstrip others who have?" 

" Men have natural powers and acquired ones. A 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 81 

person by nature weak may train all he pleases and yet 
not become the equal in strength of another person who 
has faculties which may be represented in relative power 
by five; and another, whose powers on the same basis 
would be ten. If by some process of training the inborn 
talents of the first could be doubled, he would still be un- 
equal to the second. In fact there is a much wider nat- 
ural difference between men than that assumed. Con- 
trast the mathematical genius with the person who can- 
not learn the division tables. In that respect, one sur- 
passes the other many- fold. And even one who^has good 
parts may be inferior in some of them to one who is not 
his all-around equal." 

" One fact still stands to prevent me agreeing with 
you. Some unlearned men have filled high places of 
trust and honor. They had little or no scholastic train- 
ing. How did they become so strong?" 

" You never heard of one of that kind making the cal- 
culations for a suspension bridge. They rose by virtue 
of their force of character. They had mighty wills. And 
the will may be developed by struggling with poverty 
and hardship. Of course, their capacity was born with 
them. When great obstacles are found blocking his 
road, the average individual gives up and complains of 
his hard fate. Now and then one is found who says ' man 
is greater than his circumstances,' and proceeds to go on 
in his chosen way. He has in him the stuff of which 
those who acquire kingdoms are made. A sound acorn 
falling into the cleft of a rock and finding moisture and 



82 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

soil grows and opens a place for itself. The person who 
believes and wills succeeds or leaves a sublime example 
to inspire others." 

" That is plainly true." 

" Again, education gives one the command of his 
parts. You and I, to-day, could make little use of fine 
edged tools, because we have had nothing to do with such 
things. But we have good control of our hands and could 
learn to handle them. But suppose that we had grown 
up to manhood without using them for throwing, fenc- 
ing, writing, and working. It would be poor service 
they would render us. So of the mental parts ; in order to 
be of much worth they must be trained. The usage of 
the schoolroom tends to this end. It is aimed to exercise 
all the faculties. Of course, one may memorize the dem- 
onstrations of geometry word by word instead of fol- 
lowing out the reasoning processes and thus to some ex- 
tent defeat the purpose of the study. Or he may copy an- 
other's translation instead of working out the exercise 
for himself. But that is not the system's fault. Con- 
sidering all the facts, we must conclude from the results 
that the faithful performance of assigned tasks helps the 
student to obtain a better command of his faculties. And 
while it does not always follow that because he has had 
the option of such advantages he has profited by them, it 
is certain that the opportunity to improve one's self is 
provided in them. If one wants a chance to develop his 
mental powers, he will find it a most effective help to 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 83 

take such a course. The attentive exercise of a faculty 
gives a better command of it." 

" Since you have admitted that there may be failures 
and have given a reason for it, in a good degree, I agree 
with you. But may there not be such a thing as overdo- 
ing?" 

" Yes, and for that reason one should choose for his 
teachers persons who are both interested in his welfare 
and have good judgment. Too prolonged a strain at 
anything in early life is harmful. The drill, helpful as 
it is, may be carried to such exhaustion as to beget indif- 
ference and even antagonism. 

" Another reason for choosing to take a course at 
some place of higher education is for the influence of the 
spirit pervading the body. This may seem a minor mat- 
ter. But there are pictures which impress on the behold- 
er's mind certain lines of thought. One style of dress 
makes a person appear reckless, and another fashion sug- 
gests chaste ideas. Enthusiasm is contagious. One 
among a body of earnest students feels an impulse to put 
forth his best efforts. Something in the atmosphere 
about the grounds and buildings appeals to the best there 
is in the human character. This and the mental influence 
of such a community gives a deeper, broader view of life. 
Amid such surroundings one can but feel that he is living 
not alone for the day but for the future, too. Does any- 
one question the ennobling effects of such feelings? A 
life that has once throbbed with a strong, pure impulse 
can no longer endure a selfish existence. 



84 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

"I might remind you, too, of the usefulness of and 
the pleasure of obtaining knowledge. Without it man 
dwells in caves or sheds and battles against wild beasts 
for a living. He may have a wife, but has no home. Of 
the past he knows only as the lips of the aged tell him. 
His fancy peoples earth and air with monsters. To strug- 
gle, to suffer, and to die with dread as his most constant 
mental state is his lot. Life is, for him, one wide, weary 
waste over which darkness tremulously broods. But 
knowledge, like light, scatters the shadows. The tide of 
interest in his fellow-beings rises higher and higher until 
his own welfare is linked with that of every other living 
man. The oceans become highways across which mu- 
tual transfers of the comforts of life are made. On land, 
each encourages and strengthens the other. From the 
home goes out that sweet, holy influence which makes 
men true and women pure. Even for its own sake it is 
good to seek knowledge. Before it, the phantasms which 
pierce with terror the hearts of the ignorant flee. It ac- 
quaints man with himself, his neighbor, and points him 
towards his Creator. Through books it brings him into 
touch with the brave and good of the present and past 
ages. An endless pursuit, it affords lifelong pleasure. 
Power to do good is one of its offspring and peace of 
mind another. Standing with an unknown past behind 
him, with the boundless depths of space on every side, and 
the everlasting future ahead, man feels that somehow, 
some way, he is related to that future and this infinite 
something about him. Having only one life to live, and 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 85 

with mighty impulses and desires for the best rising up 
in his nature again and again, the question comes to each, 
what shall I do? What shall I give my fellow-man and 
the one who is to come after me ? And there rises from 
out the depths the answer, ' Give the most perfect work 
you can do, and the example and influence of the most 
perfect being it is in your power to become.' If one can 
by a few years of special effort so prepare himself that 
all the rest of his life may be spent with better effect, is 
he not under the deepest obligation to make that prepara- 
tion?" 

" Yes, Paul, he is. When it comes down to that, 
everyone can but ask himself, ' what is my duty ?' But 
before some there are great obstacles. Take, for in- 
stance, the young man who has not the means to support 
himself in such an undertaking. What can he do?" 

" If nothing else, take a correspondence course of in- 
struction and buy himself some good books. Character 
develops along the lines of faith, love and purpose. But 
to the youth who is free to devote himself to it, I would 
say, determine to make the most of yourself, and then 
go straight to work. While there are not as many as 
there might be, still there are numbers of persons who 
are anxious to assist such characters. Find work, earn 
and save money, and use it for self-improvement. Dem- 
onstrate that you are worthy and when your purpose is 
known someone will give you a chance to help yourself. 
Towards the end of your course borrow money on your 
character, to be refunded as soon as you are able to do so, 



86 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

and devote all your energies to the aim in view. I would 
not advise going in debt much for an education. It 
might embarrass you. Find some way to bear your own 
expenses as much as possible. He who wants to make 
something of himself can surely find the means to do it." 

"How can he find it?" 

" I am glad you asked that question. A man may not 
own a dollar and yet be able to command the use of thou- 
sands. Every young man may. if he chooses, have a good 
name, and a loan secured by that is just about as safe 
as a nation's bonds. Money is not the only factor in bus- 
iness. Confidence and honor are fully as essential. In 
fact, if a choice had to be made, we could get along bet- 
ter without the money than without the other two ele- 
ments." 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 87 



CHAPTER XI. 

A GOOD NAME. 

" Everyone has access once in life to a mine that is 
worth more than gold and silver. None can take it from 
him. Only himself has power to do that. He may throw 
it away, but, if he does, it is gone forever. The woman 
who walks the streets and whose name is a synonym for 
all that is shameful and low once had this possession. 
The man burdened with self-reproach, upon whom oth- 
ers look as on an unclean thing, whom no one trusts nor 
honors, once had this priceless treasure. If he had all 
the riches of the mines he would gladly exchange them 
for this. In wilfulness or carelessness he let it go. Woe 
to that day ! Riches may be thrown away and recovered, 
but a good name, once lost, is gone forever. The foun- 
dation of a good name is a righteous character. It be- 
longs to the one who is strong and brave, true and faith- 
ful to the pure and the good. So it is clear that he who 
has this treasure must earn it. Its beginning lies back in 
the early years of childhood, though the forces which af- 
fect it may work through many generations. The hab- 
its, disposition, motives, everything affecting personal 
history are involved. It means honesty, industry, fair- 
ness, faithfulness, and freedom from vice, all in one ; and 



88 A young man's problems 

is gained only by persistent effort. One misdeed may 
sully it. As character is what one truly is, so a name is 
his own and others' record of what he has been and done, 
Whether he wills to or not, each is daily writing it out. 
The boy who shirks his work, who is not careful to 
speak the truth, who is unfair or base in any of his ac- 
tions will meet his past self again in manhood's realm. 
If the youth did one plain wrong that fact gives basis to 
challenge the grounds of all his conduct. Little does the 
one who trifles, cheats, tells falsehoods and disregards 
the rights of others think that he is making a form by 
which his fellow-men will some day judge him. But 
everything of the kind is written in someone's mind, even 
written in his own face and bearing as evidence against 
him. The girl who lets passion or a vicious temper con- 
trol her actions for only once has a blackening stain over 
her good name. Some school children were guilty of an 
offense for which they were taken into court. A former 
teacher, upon being told of the occurrence, asked for the 
names of the offenders. When told who they were, he 
said : ' Such conduct would be about like them.' If one 
has shown himself to have a selfish or unpleasant nature, 
some day the fact will rise among men to condemn him. 
" Some persons who have a shadowed past appear to 
find delight in recalling it. The close observer knows 
that if the occasion should come those errors would be re- 
peated. But as the motive determines the degree of guilt, 
many of the faults of youth are overlooked as coming 
from thoughtlessness or a playful nature rather than 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 89 

growing from evil principles. And there are errors of 
ignorance as well as those of ill-will. At last, manhood's 
years are reached, and the individual takes up some line 
of life-work. His every action is scanned. Let him break 
his word or defraud some one. He has sown the seed of 
distrust. His pay for his wrong-doing is a stained name. 
When he sees the shadow cast by his action, he may 
weep, repent of it, and resolve never to do the like again. 
But it is not likely he can regain that so carelessly thrown 
away. One may get a bad repute by keeping evil com- 
pany. Suppose a young woman is known to accept the 
attention of a man notorious for his immoral practices. 
It will soon come to be thought that she is no better than 
he. I knew a most excellent lady who had allowed such 
a person to visit her for some time. When, at last, she 
had found out his true nature, she sent him away. For 
revenge he told false and unkind things about her. From 
these she suffered very much. Many withheld from her 
that full confidence which a pure woman desires and mer- 
its. It was a dear price to pay for so slight a mistake. 
If a young man is known to associate with reckless or 
low characters of either sex, it gives ground for the in- 
ference that he is no better than those whose company he 
keeps. The person who expects to make anything of 
himself cannot afford to do wrong of any kind or go 
with those having bad records. So much for that side. 
Now let us look at the other. 

" Take a case like you referred to, of a young man or 
woman who desires an education but has not the means 



90 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

to meet the expenses. People will ask if he is worthy 
and worth helping. When it is learned that he is, one 
will offer to provide some work, another is willing to 
lend some money, and so on. Why do they do it? Be- 
cause they believe in the intrinsic value of character — 
that on which a good name rests. And except death or 
accident prevents, the young persons so trusted are al- 
most sure to repay their benefactors the last dollar. 
There is in our land to-day at least one woman's college, 
where young women of good character, who are with- 
out sufficient means, are trusted for their board and tui- 
tion, which are to be repaid after they have completed 
their course and earned the money. It is expected that 
in this way the school will be endowed ; the one who was 
favored a few years ago thus providing the funds for 
helping the deserving student to-day. In nearly all the 
leading schools some provisions exist for making loans 
on character. How is it in the business world? In the 
great Chicago fire, some men lost every dollar they owned. 
But they were known to be honest, industrious, and capa- 
ble. On that capital — a good name — they were enabled 
to raise enough to start in business again. Almost any- 
where, if it is known that a man will pay the debts he 
makes, and has good judgment, he can command all the 
money he wants. The person who thinks his word worth 
too much to break it finds that others are willing to take 
him at his own price. It is equally true that the one who 
is known to disregard his promises is treated with dis- 
trust on every side. When a merchant is found to mis- 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 91 

represent his goods, people avoid him. The farmer who 
swindles, the laborer who slights his work, the preacher 
who is known to be insincere, all suffer more from the 
want of confidence than they profit by their unprincipled 
behavior. Of course, wealthy individuals and firms, 
though they may not be considered honest, can buy on 
credit, because it is possible to compel them to settle their 
accounts. In these cases, the confidence rests on the laws 
rather than the man. In spite of his credit he is looked 
on with distrust. If a dealer proves himself to be fair, 
truthful and reliable, the fact not only secures him 
trade, but also good will. 

But a good name is a source of protection as wdl as 
favor. Owing to accidents of various natures, it some- 
times happens that one cannot keep his word to the exact 
day. Sickness, crop failures, or something of the kind 
may prevent. Then the unreliable man gets no mercy. 
His excuse is not accepted. He must pay that he owes. 
Under the same conditions, the trustworthy person is 
treated with more favor and may secure an extension 
of time; or a chain of evidence may point to someone 
as the agent of a crime. Then, the question of the 
person's past record comes up. In the light of it, might 
he be expected to commit such a deed? If so, he is 
likely to have to suffer the penalty. But in a test like 
this, the person whose past life has been above reproach 
gets the benefit of the doubt. There are individuals who 
could not be convicted of a base or shameful deed by 
circumstantial evidence. Why? Because their good 



92 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

name has more weight than the other. There are women 
of such pure characters that none of their acquaintances 
would believe a slanderous story against them. Some 
men have so much firmness and candor, that even malice 
and envy would not dare to assail their good name. An 
inspector found a shortage in the funds in charge of a 
government clerk. A strong chain of evidence was wov- 
en to show that he had embezzled them. At the same 
time there were other ways of accounting for their disap- 
pearance. In defense of the accused were his denial and 
past record. He had borne a stainless name. Brought 
to trial before a jury of his fellow-men, the testimony 
was sifted. The evidence against him was strong. 
Could anything rescue him ? By their verdict more than 
half of those twelve men said that a good name carries 
with it a presumption of innocence which nothing but 
absolute proof can overthrow. His clean record saved 
him from disgrace. Then, when one seeks advancement 
at the hands of others, in the business, social, or political 
spheres, his past history must bear inspection and dis- 
closure. If there has been one misstep of any kind, it 
will be magnified, and corresponding virtues shadowed 
thereby. No grounds exist for the hope of promotion, 
to him who has been faithless in a place of minor trust. 
It sometimes happens that one's talents are equal to the 
duties of a high position. Friends urge him to seek it. 
But a dark shadow, a painful remembrance rises up from 
other days. His guilt he dares not face. The offer is 
declined. It must be a sad thing to be ashamed of one's 



A YOUNG MAN S PROBLEMS 



93 



past self. Surely the wrong deeds of former years come 
back again and again to curse the doer. How, as with 
grinning faces and fiendish manners, they mock him. 
' Would you like to have this honor and wear your dis- 
grace along with it? A wise man has regard for the 
future as well as for the present pleasure.' Life affords 
nothing sweeter or better than a good home. The happi- 
ness and security of this both rest on a good character. 

" Though she had all wealth and culture and beau- 
ty, no man could be induced to choose as the queen of his 
heart a woman of ill fame. The one to whom he offers 
that honor he believes to be true and pure. If she accepts, 
it denotes reliance on his manhood. A high standing in 
this respect is the only passport to the company of a good 
woman. On the foundation of a good name and mutual 
choice rests the peace and enjoyment of that blessed 
place called home. ' A good name is rather to be chosen 
than great riches.' " 

" I am glad, Paul, that you brought up this subject. 
Now I can see why you are so careful about your habits 
and the company you keep. You have made it plain to 
me that nothing is worth so much to a young person as 
a good name. But sometimes an individual secures a 
place of trust of which he is not worthy. What would 
you say about that?" 

" People may succeed in deceiving others. For a 
while, some pass for what they are not. The best things 
are counterfeited. It is possible to have a good report 
and not deserve it. The only solid and enduring basis of 



94 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

a spotless name is in the real value of the character for 
which it stands. The vital matter is to be right. One 
may have a deserved reputation for excellence in some 
respect and not have the manhood to correspond with it. 
Hence strong faculties need the reinforcement of manly 
principles." 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 



CHAPTER XII. 

ONE OF MANY. 

"Well, Paul, we have considered some of the social 
features of a young man's life. Now.. I would like to get 
your views about some of his civil duties. It seems to 
me that one has weighty matters resting upon him in 
this respect as well as in the other. Is it not too much 
the case with some very useful and busy men to neglect 
part of their duties as citizens? Do you not think it is 
a serious mistake to refrain from taking any interest in 
politics ? 

" Once in a while a man is chosen for an office much 
to his own surprise and the chagrin of his opponents. 
The reason for this is that a full vote was not cast. 
There is Ralph Quietman who says that politicians are 
corrupt. Without stint, he condemns all and refuses to 
support any one at the polls. Is he not following the 
wrong course?" 

" If it was simply a question of a choice or failure to 
choose some one, the matter would not amount to much, 
Tom. But when we consider that votes are to decide 
the policy of the government and the nature of our laws, 
it is plain to see how each has obligations resting upon 
him. By choosing rulers or law-makers who are very 



96 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

quarrelsome we might have continuous trouble at home 
and abroad. If on the other hand the government should 
neglect to protect her citizens it would result in their mis- 
treatment both here and elsewhere. Every vote has far 
reaching consequences. 

" A farmer says : ' This is my land/ a second person 
affirms, ' This is my home,' and a third claims something 
as his right or privilege. Whence do they get their 
titles to these ? Why does not some stronger or shrewder 
man dispossess them at his pleasure? Because they got 
their titles from the government; and to that they may 
look for defense against aggressors. Suppose that each 
had to hold his possessions by his own individual 
strength and resources. The conditions it would bring 
about are too awful to consider. Even under a despot- 
ism life would be more endurable." 

" I had not thought of that before, but it is plainly 
true. And after the land is all occupied power must be 
lodged somewhere to decide about the location of roads, 
the bridging of streams, and the levying of taxes to sus- 
tain the government. In a case where two persons claim 
the ownership of the same property or privilege it is 
much better for all concerned to submit their cause to a 
proper tribunal than to settle the dispute by strife. Sup- 
pose that each of six men wants to be ferry-man at some 
point on a river. Or in a city several may desire to estab- 
lish a street car line along the same route. Others are 
contending for the privilege of putting in water-works 
or a lighting plant. Then the successful person in each 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 97 

of these cases may want to impose unjust rates upon 
those who use his products. The welfare of society de- 
mands that power to give justice and enforce judgment 
should be sustained." 

" Ownership is not the only question involved. Life 
and liberty receive protection from the same source. 
Under some conditions, governments concede to their 
citizens the right to protect themselves against the vio- 
lence of another. But in the ordinary course of events 
they claim and use the right to adjust differences and set- 
tle wrongs even to the extent of inflicting the death pen- 
alty. 

" In most states one is required to secure a license be- 
fore marrying. And through the channels of the law, 
the uncongenial seek release from their marriage con- 
tract. 

" These are only a few instances of the web of law 
that hedges us about on every side. It has not been long 
since men were imprisoned for debt. Further back in 
time, the death penalty was imposed for minor offenses. 

" Some laws are too severe, others too lax. There 
would be fewer unhappy marriages if we had more uni- 
form and stringent divorce laws. Insects would not rav- 
age fields and orchards so, if birds were better protected. 
Selfish parents are restrained from wronging their chil- 
dren by putting them to work in the mines and factories 
at too early an age. 

" Then there are endless questions about commerce, 
finance, the encouragement of various industries, rights 



98 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 



of employers and employees and so on. From time to 
time new issues come up." 

r< Yes, Paul, the law-maker stands for all the people 
involved in his election. The same is true of those who 
enforce laws. Each individual by his vote has a share 
in shaping all these things. The over-reaching must be 
held in check, the lawless punished." 

" It appears as if a proper self-love would lead men to 
do that which is just and upright. But selfishness has 
overthrown both men and nations. Wrong conduct 
may be long endured but it destroys confidence between 
man and his neighbor and at last leads to bitter strife. 

" So one's welfare and happiness depend in no small de- 
gree upon the laws to which he is subject. Liberty, 
whose exercise is so sweet to man, needs the care and 
guidance of government. Without it capital can not 
exist, nor can progress. If the toiler finds that all his 
earnings, except a bare living, go to meet the extrava- 
gant expenditures of his employer or government, he 
loses heart and raises less products. He may even be 
driven to desperate resistance. The capitalist, too, re- 
quires certain forms of encouragement. In fact, fortunes 
are sometimes made and unmade by laws. 

" Every man in this nation has interests at stake which 
are more or less affected by each election, because new 
laws come in with each change of legislators and execu- 
tors. If they are wise and just the people prosper, if not, 
suffering and strife come in. 

" The citizen has too much at stake to be indifferent in 



A YOUNG MAN S PROBLEMS 



99 



such matters. Both his own and his nation's welfare are 
involved. 

" We can agree then that it is one's duty to inform 
himself in regard to proposed plans of governmental pol- 
icy, legislative proceedings, and the character of those to 
whom is committed the responsible task of directing the 
affairs of the state. And further he should use his vote 
and personal influence to secure justice and the welfare of 
his people. 

" The doleful story that we sometimes hear about bad 
men ruling everything and the affairs of the state being 
in a deplorable condition is childish. If the complaint is 
true we have only ourselves to blame. Selfish, dishonest 
men cannot reign unless we vote them into office. Let it 
be known that only upright, faithful persons who have 
both honesty and common sense, who cannot be bribed 
and who exalt justice and righteousness need apply for 
places of trust and honor and that kind will come to the 
front. When the voters demand true men and just meas- 
ures, the politicians who depend upon buying and work- 
ing the voters will fall to the rear where they belong. 

" It is a young man's duty to find out the character of 

the individuals and policies that seek his suffrage. Then 

by voting on the side of right, justice, and manhood he 

will help give the best possible solution to the problems 

that confront us as a nation." 
LofC. 



100 



A YOUNG MAN S PROBLEMS 



CHAPTER XIII. 

SELF-APPROVAL VERSUS MONEY. 

"Is this Mr. Essen?" asked a pale, tired-looking 
young man as the door was opened in response to his 
raps. Upon being assured that it was, he at once stated 
his case : " I have spent much time working on an in- 
strument designed to destroy the germs of disease that 
exist in the atmosphere of our dwellings, schools, 
churches and other places of concourse. The idea came 
to me after reading about some attempts to force vege- 
table growth by means of underground wires charged 
with electricity. All have noticed that the air is much 
purer and more invigorating after thunderstorms. Chem- 
istry gives an explanation of this fact. The electricity 
produces ozone, which is a powerful disinfectant, and 
also affects the atmosphere in other ways. So it occurred 
to me that an instrument might be contrived which would 
continually do for the atmosphere of our houses what the 
storm does out doors; and I have discovered a way by 
which this can be done and expect to have the gratitude of 
this and coming ages for my labors. My instrument will 
banish some of the most fatal diseases from the earth and 
lengthen the period of human life." 



A YOUNG MAN S PROBLEMS 



101 



" Do you think you have made a discovery of such 
far-reaching nature?" 

" I am as sure of it as that I am talking to you. Bear 
with me, and I will demonstrate the fact to you." 

" If you can do that, I may surely spare the time to hear 
your cause. By the way, what is your name?" 

" Smith, John Smith," replied the other, and proceed- 
ed to open a box which he had brought with him. " This, 
as you see, is a chemical battery of high power. It is 
used to generate the electricity on the same plan as that 
used in the telegraph. You can have it of any power 
you please; though, of course, it is best to have a strong 
current. This is to be fastened to or else built into the 
walls of the room. These fine wires are to radiate out 
from the battery, cross the upper part of the room, and 
again collect into a bundle on the other side, where they 
enter a diffuser having connection with the outside air. 
Or by means of this coupler, the current may be con- 
veyed to other rooms in the building and thence out as 
before. If you will lend me your help, I will put this up 
in your room. I have one in mine and my health is much 
better now than it used to be." They went to work and, 
at length, had the apparatus in working order. Some 
chemicals and rain water were put into a jar; and soon 
they recognized that peculiar odor which is to be noticed 
around a working electrical machine. 

" You observed that a few minutes ago there were 
some flies in the room," said the inventor. "They have 
all left, for they cannot stand it in here. My theory is 



102 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

that the bacteria are affected by it in a like way or else 
killed." 

" It will require a good deal of time and many experi- 
ments to make a thorough test of your claims," remarked 
our young friend. " And besides that, the element of 
cost will have to be considered. The endorsement of 
some noted scientist might be worth a good deal to you. 
Some inventions are of such importance that it would 
be well for the government to give the inventor financial 
backing for a while until he can get the public's attention. 
But so many notions prove baseless, that for the most 
part it is better to let each win in its place. Each new 
thought has to struggle for acceptance. If you go before 
the world as an inventor, the first question will be ' who 
is he ?' and the next ' what has he done ?' If it is found 
that you are a new man in the field, you will be ridiculed 
by many who have won their places, and disregarded by 
the masses of the people. To get this contrivance of 
yours before the public will take money, work and pluck. 
I do not suppose there are fifty persons in the country who 
would let you put one of your instruments in their house, 
much less buy one. In spite of the Pasteur germ-proof 
water-filters, people continue to drink water from their 
cisterns, wells, creeks, and ponds, just as they used to do. 
If one of them dies from drinking polluted water, Provi- 
dence, instead of bad habits, gets credit for it." 

" I know, Mr. Essen, that I will have to stem the cur- 
rent of criticism and endure much indifference ; but I have 
so much confidence in the final outcome that such things 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 103 

do not disturb me. Trouble comes to me along financial 
lines. I am needing help in that respect now. How 
would it suit you to take the apparatus we have put up, 
together with three others and a lien on my patent, to 
secure yourself in exchange for some money?" 

"I think it would be a very risky investment. Still I 
would like to see you have an opportunity, so I will ac- 
commodate you and take my chances on your success." 
So they made an agreement, and, with a lighter heart, 
Mr. Smith went back to work at perfecting his device. 
Paul persuaded three of his acquaintances who lived in 
unhealthy localities to let him put up the other three 
"ozonizers." And they agreed to inform him of the re- 
sults. While the season was passing he made faithful 
inquiry as to their effectiveness and learned that they 
had not met their inventor's hopes. Too much attention 
was required to keep them in good working order. Like 
knowledge of the laws of health, such a thing is hardly 
ever given the care needed to make it render good serv- 
ice. Paul satisfied himself that though the principle 
might be a good one, the apparatus would not give gen- 
eral satisfaction. 

A reporter having heard of the invention sought an in- 
terview with its author. Drawing largely on his fancy 
he gave it a very promising write-up. This fell into the 
hands of a shrewd, though unscrupulous person, who 
conceived the idea of awakening interest by announcing 
the invention as a great discovery, having himself inter- 
viewed and pushing sales while curiosity was stirred. 



104 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

While interesting himself in the matter he learned of a 
section of country where a great deal of sickness was 
prevailing. The influence of a person of well-known up- 
rightness was needed to forward the enterprise. Paul 
was selected as the proper person. His wide acquaint- 
anceship formed while going to school, and his record 
for fairness and honesty gave him much power over oth- 
ers. He was approached and assured that the instru- 
ment was a decided success. A part interest in a plant 
to manufacture it was offered at a fair price. This he 
declined. Then it was proposed to give him a share of 
the returns for the weight of his name in the firm. No 
burden or risk would go with it. To this he made an- 
swer: 

" No. I am out some on this apparatus. You offer 
me a chance to regain that and get a profit. There is no 
doubt in my mind that you will make it pay fairly well, 
for you have many of the elements of a successful sales- 
man. If it had proven to be what its author hoped, I 
would be glad to help him in his enterprise. I have tried 
to get the facts fully from those who have used it. If 
these had convinced me of its practical value no one 
could have helped more freely to forward the sales. But 
until I am satisfied that it measures up to your claim, 
you are wasting strength to try to persuade me. I would 
rather have the approval of my own mind than anything 
that wealth or place can give to man. My influence can, 
with my consent, only act in accord with my judgment 
and sense of right." 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 105 

" But," said the other, " if one has the money he can 
get all the honor and everything else he wants." 

" Yes, he can secure all the honor that can be bought ; 
but what is it worth after one has it? If one can get it 
by just means, money is a good thing to have. Still it is 
possible to pay too much for even that. A man would 
better be at peace with himself and against the world, 
than against himself and on good terms with everybody 
else. The good will, love or honor that has a money 
value, that comes and goes with the shifting fortunes of 
life, is too dearly paid for when it costs a man his self- 
respect and peace of mind." 

Convinced that he could do nothing with Paul, 
the manager sought aid elsewhere. By taking ad- 
vantage of the occasion he did a most thriving busi- 
ness in the region where so much sickness prevailed. 
While prospering, he showed Mr. Essen his income, 
and again urged him to allow the use of his influ- 
ence to extend the field of sales. The reply was in line 
with his other : " I know that fortunes are sometimes 
made by unfair profits, by watering stocks, by oppressing 
the working man and the like. But there are better 
things than to gratify the desire for pleasure or for pow- 
er over others. Money acquired by just means is a great 
blessing. To have the praise and honor of one's fellow- 
men is a worthy aim. But the consciousness that one is 
in the right and is doing his duty is the sweetest pleas- 
ure earth can give." 



106 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 



CHAPTER XIV. 

CHOOSING HIS LIFE-WORK. 

Upon leaving school, Paul secured a position with a 
dealer in real estate. He already had a good general no- 
tion of the value of such property. After entering on the 
duties, he daily added to this knowledge by a careful 
study of everything relating to it. When thinking about 
anything, he held his mind to the subject with all the 
power of concentration at his command ; and soon he was 
better posted than most persons engaged in that line of 
work. He was a good judge of buildings, knew the rela- 
tive value of soils, and could determine from its location 
and surroundings whether a house would make a healthy 
home or not, and what a place's market advantages would 
be. To all, he was friendly ; but his habits were guarded 
with care. In showing prospective buyers the various 
sites and tracts, he was a genial companion, but never in- 
dulged in the social evils with them. In this way he 
gave deep offense to a wealthy man who charged him 
with thinking himself better than others. They had been 
driving together for several hours looking at some tracts 
of land and had become somewhat chilly. The other, 
who always carried his bottle on such occasions, offered 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLE&5S 107 

our young friend a drink to warm him up. Paul thanked 
him but declined. This threw the other into a rage. 
"And you think you are too good to drink with me, do 
you? I do not propose to spend my money with a firm 
that feels itself to be above me," roared he, with red face 
and glaring eyes. 

" No, it is not that. You do not understand me. In 
the first place, the warmth only lasts a short time, to give 
place later to a deeper chill. The man who abstains sim- 
ply uses the same right as the one who indulges does. 
You follow your course because it pleases you. It would 
not please me. And the person who declines your offer, 
only says by the act that he does not care to indulge." 

" So you think you can set yourself up against a social 
custom that has prevailed for ages except among a few 
fanatics, do you?" 

" Yes, sir, if it does not seem to me right to follow it. 
A young man is better off without the use of stimulants. 
Habits grow fast ; and the best way to overcome a seduc- 
ing one is not to begin it. I may be a parent some day, 
and I am determined that none of my offspring shall 
have to struggle with an appetite inherited from me." 
He said this in such a calm, decided manner that his com- 
panion replied: 

" There is no use to talk to you about this, for you 
are set in your ways." So the subject was changed, 
and they were very agreeable the remainder of the day. 
As the prospector did not enjoy drinking by himself, the 
one drink supplied him for the trip. In the evening while 



108 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

talking the matter over with Paul's employer, the other 
remarked : 

" That is a fine young fellow you sent out with me to- 
day, and would make a decided success if he was a little 
more yielding on some points. I offered him a drink 
this evening and, would you believe it, he declined. He 
showed more grit than almost any other young man I 
ever saw. And he made me see the question in a differ- 
ent light from what I had ever viewed it. He said he 
was using his right in following his judgment as I would 
in choosing one home in preference to another. At first 
I was very much angered, but his bearing, tone, and 
reasoning quieted my feelings. He would be a jewel for 
you if he was not so strict. " 

Another time, a buyer had found a place to suit him, 
except he feared that it was not as healthy as he desired. 
After having heard his views, Paul told him that it 
did not have the best name in that respect, but could 
be made all right by draining the cellar and a near- 
by pond. The dread of ill health was so strong 
that the man decided not to make the, purchase, 
and on returning he gave that as his reason for not buy- 
ing it, and further stated that the young man who accom- 
panied him had admitted the justness of the objection. 
The principal was incensed at his employee for missing 
such a sale and took him to task. 

"If you had not admitted that the homestead where 
you went to-day was unhealthy, I could have sold it and 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 109 

cleared three hundred dollars. You pay too much atten- 
tion to your conscience." 

"I did admit that the health of the families who have 
lived there was not the best; but I further said that if 
the cellar under the dwelling was drained and a pond 
close by emptied, it would take away the cause of the 
sickness." 

" Hereafter, young man, be careful when your con- 
science comes between you and your duty to me." 

" I cannot see how I could do otherwise under such 
circumstances." As that was the only ground of com- 
plaint against Paul, the matter was dropped. 

In a prosperous city, three men were seated talking. 
One of the number, an elderly man, was complaining 
that his business overtaxed his strength, and expressed 
a desire to find a thoroughly trustworthy young man 
whom he might take into the firm for his services and 
train to manage the affairs. Another of the company, a 
person with a round, red face, said : " Down at Almina 
I met a young fellow working with a real estate firm 
who might suit you. He has a pleasant disposition and 
is surely true to his convictions. One raw day some time 
ago he had been driving around with me and had been 
very thoughtful and kind. At length I drew my bottle 
and proposed that he should take a drink with me. He 
politely but firmly declined. His refusal displeased me 
very much at the time, but he pleaded his case so well that 
I will never again take such a refusal as an offense. My 



HO A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

opinion is that you would find him to be honest, trust- 
worthy and capable." 

" Was that Paul Essen?" put in the third. 

" Yes." 

" And not long ago he missed selling me a homestead 
by admitting that families living in the house had suf- 
fered a good deal from sickness. I would have closed the 
deal that day if he had not made the admission. He gave 
a good reason though for their poor health. After com- 
ing home and thinking over the matter, I decided to write 
to a friend there and get him to make a thorough inquiry 
about it. He did so and reported that a small amount 
spent in drainage would make the place a charming 
home. I expect to buy it. There is no question about 
that young fellow having both common sense and a con- 
science. I am sure you could trust him. He is obliging 
and has excellent judgment, but he is very firm in his 
stand for what he thinks is right." 

' That is the kind of a young man I have been looking 
for for a long time," said the old gentleman. "A man 
who truly respects himself will be true to others. What 
did you say his name is?" 

" Paul Essen," chimed the other two. 

He traced up Paul's record and was pleased with it. 
So he visited Almina and sought out our young friend. 
Having found him, they entered freely into conversation. 
" May I venture to ask you," said the elder one, " in 
what field of work you expect to spend your life?" 

" That," replied the other, " has given me much seri- 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 111 

ous thought. After making a thorough study of myself, 
I am sure that my talent is for business. Such work is 
congenial to me. I have striven hard to grasp the under- 
lying principles upon which a successful career must rest. 
It is a pursuit in which one can use all the energies of his 
being. If he had special aptness for them, there are other 
fields in which a person might be of more direct service to 
his fellow-men. But my taste and fitness do not follow 
those lines. Everywhere there is a demand for manhood. 
An honest, just lawyer is a benefit to his people, while an 
unprincipled one is a kind of social parasite. A mer- 
chant who is fair and keeps his word is a strong factor 
for human welfare ; while the one who is not upright de- 
stroys confidence and impoverishes those who befriend 
him. And in every walk of life one's influence may tend 
to either uplift or cast down. It seems to me, man's first 
duty is to be and do right, and his second, to use the talent 
nature gave him." 

" Mr. Essen, the weight of years is pressing on me. 
I want a trustworthy, capable young man to take into the 
firm as a partner. So far as I am able to judge you are 
the kind of person I have been looking for. You can 
learn the details of the business as you go along. And 
as soon as you have mastered them, I feel that I can safe- 
ly entrust the management to you. For quite a while I 
had been searching for a young person who suited my 
notion, when I heard of you. Your present employer 
says that the only fault he has ever found with you is 
that you are too scrupulous in regard to the right. That 



112 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

trait in your character suits me all the better. The place 
is for you." 

" But I have not enough capital to take share in such 
a firm as yours," said Paul in surprise. 

" You have the best capital a young man can have, in- 
dustrious habits, a vigorous body and brain, and good 
principles. Say that you will accept it, and whenever you 
choose you may become a partner." 

They came to an agreement and at the end of his time 
in the real estate business, Paul entered on that which 
brought him fortune and settled him for life. The ques- 
tion to whose solution he had given many anxious hours 
was decided by the factors, faithfulness and fitness. He 
mastered every detail of the firm's business. Whatever 
work he did was well done. He strove to have a good 
name and keep it spotless. And the name brought him 
money, confidence and the good will of others. What 
should a young man work at? That which he can do 
best. Let him bring all his powers to bear on the day's 
duty. Faithful, energetic effort tends to perfect results, 
and opportunity will come to him who is ready for it. 
Upon him who honors his manhood and believes in the 
might of righteous effort, Nature bestows her best gifts. 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 113 



CHAPTER XV. 

A WOMAN AFTER HIS OWN HEART. 

Paul no longer let his fancy lead him. He had 
learned that dispositions and characters are very unlike 
in different persons, and that more is involved in woman- 
hood than beauty of face and form. Among the young 
women he had a number of acquaintances who were 
blessed not only with beauty but many womanly traits. 
There was one with a complexion almost like a lily's 
petal in its whiteness and clearness. Her hair, like her 
eyes, was a dark brown. When she looked one in the 
eye, her glance gave a pleasant shock. Her voice was 
sweet and winning. The social world was her realm; 
and she had more admirers than she could well entertain. 
His opposite in many respects, it was whispered that 
they would make a well-mated couple. He confessed to 
himself the power of her beauty and charm, but in his 
heart declined to yield to her influence. Passion, while 
it lasts, may bring two lives into harmony. But Nature 
has a better bond of union than that. There are lives 
whose sympathy and attraction for each other spring 
from the depths of their natures. A line of conduct that 
one approves pleases the other also. The same chord 
calls out the deepest responses from both. This may re- 



114: A YOUNG MAN'S, PROBLEMS 

suit from physical constitution, or from inborn and cul- 
tivated tastes and habits. Perhaps all are involved. 
Anyhow, when two such meet and become fully acquaint- 
ed they need neither the aid of fancy nor of friends. Let 
them realize that at the bottom is this responsiveness, this 
oneness ; and whether fortune favors them with place and 
honors in the social world or not their lives have power to 
bless the other. As Paul looked into those dark eyes and 
listened to that magnetic voice, he was studying their 
owner's nature and disposition. He felt that his did not 
accord with them. After he had recognized this fact, he 
decided to follow his own judgment and make the most 
of the consequences. Another striking character among 
his friends was a blonde with eyes as blue as the deep 
sky and cheeks like the sunward side of a ripe peach. 
Her nature was cheerful and sunny, and wherever she 
went good will and respect came to her. No folly 
marred her past life and her future was full of hope. 
What sensible man would miss trying for such a prize? 
Is it not wise to take the good that Providence places in 
our reach? 

Such questions might be asked. But at the same time, 
is it wise to tempt fortune? Should a man or woman 
try to win another just because it may seem convenient 
or possible ? A man with a true sense of honor, will not, 
when another's welfare is so deeply involved, ask for 
what he does not in the depths of his being desire. 
Among those whom he sometimes visited was a young 
woman whose appearance was hardly so attractive as 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 115 

that of those just referred to. Well balanced in her con- 
stitution, she was calm and self-possessed. The man- 
ners and schemes that the society woman resorts to in 
order to win attention were never used by her. To look 
at her face one would judge her to be a good woman 
with a sweet disposition. Gentleness marked all her 
words and actions. She did not appear to the best ad- 
vantage in the social world. But in her own home, her 
presence seemed to carry peace and strength to all about 
her. Was any member of the household discouraged or 
unwell? Her voice and touch had power to soothe and 
cheer. Throughout the place, an atmosphere of sunshine 
and love radiated from her. 

At first thought, one is likely to connect the idea 
of a strong character with the demand for a marked 
demonstration of its power. It is as if one said: 
"If you are indeed strong, do some great deed 
that we may believe in you." Yet how gently the 
sunshine works when at springtime it awakens the slum- 
bering plant world. And it takes the same three seasons 
to complete the growth of the plants and vines. And 
character, though a great force, is not an abrupt but a 
continuous one. So it was with Ruth Mallon. To prize 
her, one must know her. She was not negative. But the 
fact that she did not push herself forward and bid for 
attention might lead one to think her of an indifferent na- 
ture. To a young man it was hard to tell if her " call 
again " meant more than bare permission. Paul noticed 
that while in conduct she was even and gentle, yet in 



116 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

character she was firm and strong. One could not read 
her at once; for she acted and spoke with somewhat of 
reserve. But after a while he could see that the love of 
right, guided by reason and judgment, ruled her life. So 
he knew that the current of her being was deep and strong 
and constant. The better one knew her, the more favor 
she would find with him and the more beautiful she ap- 
peared. In conversation she took more interest in sub- 
jects relating to the useful, the true, and the good. Here 
was a woman to command the deepest respect and admi- 
ration. Could a man hope for the love of such a being ? 
If he was weak she might pity and try to encourage him 
to do right; but she could not respect him. If he was 
noble and frank, she might admire him, though he could 
hardly dare to hope for more. The one to whom she 
could give herself would have one of the best gifts 
earth bestows on man. But to think of winning her was 
almost too much to even hope. While Paul was away 
from home attending to some business affairs, they cor- 
responded. He wanted to learn her views more fully. 
In one of his letters he told her about the kind of per- 
sons with whom he had to deal and asked her what she 
considered the best elements of a noble character. In re- 
ply she wrote: 

" I hardly see why you should ask a young woman like 
me for her opinion about the basic elements of character. 
The great poets and philosophers could tell you better 
than I can the sources whence spring true, noble con- 
duct. But since you want to know my views here they 



A YOUNG MAN S PROBLEMS 



117 



are: As I see it, self-respect, and the love of the good 
and true are the ruling factors of a strong, pure life. 
Man bears the image of his Creator, and as one is careful 
about his appearance before men, so he should be to keep 
a clean record before his Maker — pure in thought and 
desire, pure in the purpose and conduct of life. True 
self-respect does not consist in the conceit that one is 
better than those around him, but comes from a far- 
reaching grasp of what it is possible for man to become. 
It may be a struggle to-day; but the hope of a better to- 
morrow gives strength and assurance. To think of the 
ideal is inspiring. The self-respecting person has a 
proper regard for others. As he holds himself to what 
is right and just, he insists on others keeping in their 
places. Self-respect is that in us which leads to resist- 
ance of wrong thoughts and feelings. It holds one to 
the line of truth and law and conserves soundness of 
principles. But this by itself may tend to make one se- 
vere. The love of the good and true not only gives a 
pleasant emotion, but urges one onward in his course. 
In most lives there are some noble traits and this feeling 
enables us to see the best. It helps us to appreciate them, 
and often opens the avenue to their hearts so that we 
may arouse their holiest desires. It is the radiant, buoy- 
ant power that makes one a blessing to all around him. 
I love to think of strength and sweetness in the same con- 
nection. Strength sustains us in the right, while sweet- 
ness uplifts others. And we are so constituted that 



118 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

while helping those around us we gain strength and 
cheer." 

In his next letter, Paul thanked his fair correspondent 
for her reply, and added that it enabled him to appreciate 
her better. He also described a wedding in high social 
life where the couple had married with the avowed pur- 
pose of uniting their fortunes. To his mind such a course 
was in defiance of natural laws. And he asked her what 
she considered the proper basis of marriage. On that 
point her reply was : 

" You have asked me a very hard question, one on 
which my opinion may not be worth much to you. At 
the same time, I have very definite views on that subject. 
Two of the essential elements of a happy union are mu- 
tual respect and sympathy. I could not long think well 
of a man who does not respect himself, nor whom I did 
not believe to be strong, and true and pure. We some- 
times fancy persons whom we do not know, and disdain 
them when their true nature is known. So two ought 
to know each other well to be sure that they can respect 
each other. We esteem character and mental parts. Then 
in their views of life and between their dispositions there 
should be sympathy. The make-up of some persons is 
such that when together much they clash. This seems to 
be a matter of nature. And, as such, it deserves much 
more attention than it receives. Where it exists the pres- 
ence of the other affords pleasure. In labors and pur- 
poses there is a mutual reinforcement. If two find that 
they have deep respect and sympathy for each other, it 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS H9 

remains for them to decide if they are willing to make 
it a lifetime affair. You see I have not mentioned love, 
because there is one kind of love that grows out of the 
fitness of persons for each other, and another that is 
largely the result of accident or fancy. I do not think 
that love without mutual respect and sympathy is enough. 
The young lord who loves a pretty peasant girl would 
not treat her right as his wife, because he would not have 
enough respect for her. Or passion might bring two 
together who, when the first fire dies, would drift apart 
for the want of a binding tie. But where there are re- 
spect and sympathy based on real worth and agreement 
of dispositions, along with mutual choice, I think the 
two will grow towards each other with the years. You 
ask very, very hard questions. I have been trying to 
study up one to ask you. It would be a pleasure to me 
to know your views on what one should make the su- 
preme aim in life. 

" Taking a view of mankind as one gets it from ex- 
perience and history, we must conclude that the aim is 
not as high as it should be. One class of persons cares 
for little else than ease. If they have any ruling desire, 
it would seem to be to do nothing. That deep unrest 
that leads man to inquire for the right and the best gives 
them no trouble. The endeavor of many is to parallel 
the action of someone else. If one wrongs them in any 
way, they strike back in resentment. When somebody 
has been crowned with honors at the hands of others, 
straightway many bend every energy to secure favor 



120 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

and applause. With them, it is hatred in return for hatred, 
love to recompense love, knowledge or money or social 
prestige in order to be the equal of some leader. If 
one has reached the front rank in one respect, ambition 
may lead him to struggle for the same end in some other 
line. Thus, the master of finances would like to mould 
social conditions also. One man has acquired a large 
fortune, and yet is justly hated and feared. Another 
has almost all the heart could wish except health, and 
pain burdens his life. One holds a commanding po- 
sition which has been won at the price of confidence, and, 
it may be, his own respect, as well. His strength lies 
in his power to inspire fear. Of course, flatterers will 
hang around him while all goes well, but in the hour of 
misfortune he may not have one true friend. There 
ought to be something deeper and better in life than that 
which comes and goes with fortune. Some aim there 
should be whose pursuit is pleasant and which in the end 
brings peace. I would prize your opinion in regard to 
what that should be. " 

In reply he wrote : "You too can ask hard questions. 
But since you have asked for my views, here they are. " 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 121 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THE SUPREME AIM. 

" To struggle, to suffer, is the lot of man. He who 
will not endure must go down. There are times when 
death itself is the crown of victory. Some successes 
are both disgraces and defeats. Earth is full of form- 
ing forces. Its weight, the winds, its surroundings, 
and its nature determine the size and shape of the tree. 
All the forces that have acted on the life behind it, its 
vigor and environment, work together to fashion the ani- 
mal. The blood of all his ancestors, the history of the 
human race, character as he finds it, the pushing, pressing 
throng of his fellow-men, and his own thoughts, feelings 
and will, all the time of man's passage across life's stage 
of action, are shaping his form and moulding his mind. 
Many of what might be our problems are virtually 
settled for us. To most men it is not a question as to 
whether they prefer to live in a monarchy or republic, 
but how to struggle on to the end under the conditions 
that surround their birth. It is not for them to choose 
between following pagan or Christian customs, but to 
what extent they can and will conform to existing cir- 
cumstances. No one can choose the land of his birth. 
Man may not even say what size he would have his body 



122 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

and brain, as these are to a great extent determined by 
his inherited blood, and the care his parents give him. 
Owing to neglect, or misfortune at the critical age, his 
mental parts may never pass the rudimental stage. But 
man can say what his aim in life shall be. Others may 
oppress, may even thwart, but it is his right to choose his 
purpose. It is his also to have the satisfaction of its 
realization or death in its pursuit. The power to select 
his aim, then, is one of man's deepest, richest blessings. 
To be self-directed in the right is sublime. A heavy 
responsibility rests on man in regard to this choice which 
is to be made between standards and natural form. By 
standards is meant the choice of wealth, social or political 
influence allied, it may be, with bravery, honesty, purity, 
or some other one or more distinguishing traits. This 
changes from time to time with the tides of thought and 
custom. By form, is meant ideal manhood or woman- 
hood as it exists in the minds of free, enlightened people. 
For as there is in the imagination a perfect form for the 
body which sculptors and painters have striven to realize, 
so is there a mould of right conduct and mental poise 
which commands acceptance. Is there one shape for the 
leaf of the oak and another for that of the lily, one out- 
line for the fish and another for the bird, and human 
conduct a matter of no concern? Look deeply into 
Nature, and, if in consciousness you have lost your 
standard, she will teach you that in all things there is 
order and shaping of part to part. Even for the rain- 
drop there is a mould ; for the winds a law. 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 123 

" With some the supreme aim is to acquire wealth, to 
become master of lands, bonds, houses, and money. No 
one who is wise despises this power. With its help, 
the owner is enabled to transform the forest into a gar- 
den, to furnish, adorn, and beautify a home for himself 
and his loved ones, to relieve himself from many of those 
cares which embitter life, and to devote his powers to 
chosen pursuits. In some degree, it gives one command 
over distance and natural forces. The physical, social, 
and mental development of a people are served by wealth. 
Its power for weal is vast. Commerce depends, in part, 
upon it. So, too, to a great extent does civilization. 
It can secure pleasure, service, honor, influence, a kind 
of friendship, and sometimes even stay the hand of death. 
Money gives opportunity. And yet with all its power, 
the life of its possessor may be a failure and a grief. It 
cannot buy integrity; it cannot purchase peace of mind. 
True love and friendship are above its reach. As the 
possible representative of all other forms of external 
power, it merits consideration and pursuit. Though 
in its place a good thing, it is not the best. 

" Command of man as the instrument of one's pleas- 
ure is another point that deserves attention. To pos- 
sess the ready obedience of others is a thrilling ex- 
perience. The commander-in-chief of an army as he 
directs the action of thousands of men in defense of 
his native land or to satisfy a restless ambition, the ruler 
of a nation enjoying the respect and loyalty of millions 
of people, the orator, who with burning words drives a 



124 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

nation to war, or with gentler tones soothes them to 
peace and contentment, whose influence raises the stand- 
ard of honor, justice and truth, the scholar whose re- 
search wins the gratitude of generations, whose grasp 
of law and fact awakens esteem and reverence, all con- 
vince us that control of others is a good thing to be de- 
sired. To be able to inspire good will and confidence 
and love, to be able to quench the fires of hatred, malice, 
and revenge, and command the support of the strong, to 
have it in one's power to win beauty's smile and love, 
each and all of these considerations assure us that 
influence over others may be a most worthy aim. But 
give one the power over those about him, its abuse can 
but sink him deeper into the abysses of hatred, disgrace 
and remorse. Ambition having conquered all foes and 
displaced every resisting obstacle, may leave the vacuum 
of an unsatisfied desire in its owner's heart. Success in 
the wrong is a curse. If death, painless and unexpected, 
came to the victor in his hour of triumph, he might die 
happy. But history proves that ambition's end is bitter. 
" Knowledge, too, is worthy of pursuit. In human 
experience, there is no end to this search. The wise 
man of to-day knows somewhat more than the one of 
yesterday. The scholar of to-morrow will surpass the 
leader of to-day. To read from the very heart of earth 
her secret, to study why the rose is sweet and beautiful, 
to trace out the courses of the stars, to watch the play 
of cause and effect as they work in and out in the warp 
and woof of human conduct and destiny, all these afford 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 125 

boundless scope for the mind's exercise. His labor gives 
the scholar a good degree of contentment and enriches 
mankind. His life is beautiful; his work is ennobling. 
When the knowledge of the good and the true is the ob- 
jective point what aim can be more blissful, what higher ? 
But how many times knowledge bought with love and 
blood has been given to the libertine, to the malicious, to 
the darkly selfish. It has been used to despoil beauty, 
truth, and honor. In the service of vice, it is awful, 
in the service of virtue it is sublime. 

" Another thought deserves attention. There is some- 
thing that is as steadfast as eternal law itself. Its reali- 
zation is the summit of being. Whether we reckon on 
it for time or for eternity, it is still the same. It is 
realized only after the grandest struggle; and yet as an 
ultimate aim, it satisfies the deepest and purest desires 
and demands of human life. To name it is to win the 
assent of the best part of our natures. On earth there 
is nothing equal to a good character. All the love of 
the heart, all the depths of the intellect, all the strength 
of the will find in that their highest forms of usefulness 
and beauty. A good character is as beautiful as the 
flowers, deeper than earthly life, pure as a woman's tear 
of sympathy, and more enduring than the rocks. Less 
in extent than the Being above all, its mould is of the 
same form. It blesses always Greatness amasses 
wealth, uses others in pursuit of her aims, knows all that 
man can know; but goodness is still greater, is Godlike. 
It gives guidance, strength and deepest peace. Of it 



126 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

there is no end to its strength, no limit. It has no 
measure. Justice and right, truth and love attend her. 

" The supreme aim then, should be to be a man or wo- 
man of perfect mould. To such a person, wealth, in- 
fluence and knowledge are useful attendants. Gravitat- 
ing around this center, they must yield joy and blessings. 
To be good is the hardest task a person ever set for him- 
self, but it is the noblest. It is not a passive existence, 
but intensest energy working along right lines. One 
who is content to be ignorant has no right to call himself 
good; for knowing and being are forever linked with 
each other. Knowledge is the handmaid of motive. 
Neither has an idle or indifferent person a just claim to 
goodness; for power over others, and wealth enlarge 
one's sphere of usefulness. Is it well to sit idly and see 
the wealth and power of the world pass into wicked 
hands to be used for base purposes? No, never. A 
good man uses wealth for the benefit of the race; he 
wields personal influence to establish justice and 
righteousness; with knowledge, he scatters the shadows 
that oppress the mind, lifts mankind to a higher plane 
of livng, and discloses the beauty of truth. The deepest, 
farthest reaching knowledge is involved in the highest 
form of goodness. The best man of the future will 
know more than his prototype of to-day, have more skill, 
and be better. 

"Distinguish between the conceit and the fact, be- 
tween the inert and the active, and is it not plain that to 
be good is the deepest, broadest, sublimest aim that ever 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 127 

engaged the forces of a human life ? It is the one center 
around which all other forms of strength find their proper 
lines of action. Wealth, influence, courage, wisdom, 
purpose, all have boundless field for exercise in the char- 
acter of a good man or woman. All other forms of 
strength must, at last, cease. But the might of right is 
eternal. Above the ruins of the ages, truth, justice, 
and love will forever stand. Like the sphere, right has 
inherent power to sustain itself. It is eternal. All the 
lower forms of life submit to force. By it they settle 
their struggles for existence and with one another. Man, 
too, has not only yielded loyalty but worship at the same 
shrine. A large part of the race does so still. But the 
dawn of a better day is coming. In that day, man will 
believe in and exalt the power of goodness and in so do- 
ing will uplift himself. It is better to be than to have." 
In regard to his views Miss Ruth wrote in reply: 
" It seems to me that you have put the right aim first. 
Manhood is greater than any of its accidental conditions. 
Sometimes we hear the questions, 'What would he be 
without his money?' 'What could he do without the 
social influence of his family?' At once we think of a 
person whose standing rests on what he has instead of 
what he is. It is a case of the diamond being worth 
more than the one who wears it. And as woman's in- 
born beauty surpasses that of any and all of her orna- 
ments, so is manhood greater than any place, possession 
or fortune that may go with it. All things else on earth 
are below a good character. Their proper sphere is to 



128 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

serve. And in doing that they are both a help and an 
ornament. Man's intrinsic worth should be greater 
than that of his position and possessions. The first 
thing is to be, the second, to have. And as long as they 
keep their respective places, the more one can acquire the 
better. " 

It was not long after Paul's return until he paid Miss 
Ruth a visit. To him she seemed to have grown more 
womanly. Why did he let her do most of the talking? 
The current of his thoughts kept drifting to a subject he 
feared to name and yet felt he must. He would relate 
a chapter of his experience while absent. Then his 
mind would go back to its theme. It was a pleasant task 
for him to listen to one whose talk interested him deeply. 
Thinking that he must be worn by his care and work, 
she talked with more than her usual charm. This only 
made him the more restless. But before they parted 
that evening he said : 

" Miss Ruth, I asked you those hard questions be- 
cause I wanted your help in solving one of the problems 
of my life. You know me, my record, and my dispo- 
sition. You have been frank and true with me. I not 
only respect and admire you, but all the love of my being 
and my life are yours and for you. Will you bless me 
with your love?" 

She replied : " This question is harder still and 
rather unexpected. I feel that my own life and yours 
would act in perfect harmony. I respect, admire, and 
will love you and try to make you happy. " 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 129 

Then Paul knew that another of his problems was 
settled right, and that a true woman's sympathy and 
counsel would strengthen, guide, and bless him through 
the coming years. 

Called on a short time afterwards to address a body of 
young men, he prepared the following, which, at his 
request, Miss Ruth named : " Three Factors of Man- 
hood." 



130 A YOUNG MAN ? S PROBLEMS 



CHAPTER XVII. 

THREE FACTORS OF MANHOOD. 

" On earth, all forms of life are hedged about with 
law and force. It is wise for man to endeavor to find 
the point where the resistance is least and the most help 
can be derived from his surroundings. In the physical 
and mental, social and industrial realms are to be found 
lines of development. He who disregards these does 
it to his own harm. As the wind aids the one moving 
along with it, so do these natural forces which surround 
man assist or oppose him in his efforts. In order to 
make the most out of life, one needs to know himself, 
to be familiar with his weak and strong points, and the 
tendencies of his nature. Sometimes an individual 
takes a first drink of liquor and is surprised to find that 
an undying thirst for more has been roused. An in- 
herited appetite rises straightway to take control of him. 
Thenceforth he must struggle against it or die. An- 
other indulges once some passion and is its slave to the 
end of his life. Or, it may be that a person in pursu- 
ing the ordinary duties of the day overtaxes a weak 
part by exposure or excessive use and falls under the 
burden of disease. 

" Must it ever be thus that man shall fall before un- 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 131 

known dangers ? Is there no school but the bitter one of 
experience in which the lesson is learned too late ? Let 
the young man who aspires to success in life's struggles 
enquire about the habits and weaknesses of his fore- 
fathers. Then he may know somewhat where to 
guard and where to resist in order to develop aright. 
By research in that same field, he may find out, too, some 
of his resources. Vigor of body or brain is often a 
family heritage. Each generation gives a natural bless- 
ing or curse to the one that succeeds it. And in fol- 
lowing back his own course to the beginning of memory 
he may come upon many facts serving to guide and 
warn. For, as an endless chain, the present is linked 
with all the past. The question of a life-work comes 
home to each. Shall nature or fancy decide that mat- 
ter? It seems easy for some persons to adapt them- 
selves to their surroundings. Upon these the question 
does not weigh so heavily. But how often do we see 
men blindly trying first one thing and then another only 
to fail in each and at last sit down with a broken spirit. 
They have marred every object handled and been baffled 
in every plan formed. Why? Because they were not 
working in their proper sphere. The accidents or 
fancies of life directed them. The chief factor in de- 
termining duty had never been allowed to assert itself. 
Let a man but do his own work in his place and a thrill 
of pleasure and strength will well up through him. In 
'Wilhelm Meister' well has the immortal Goethe de- 



132 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

veloped the subject of the influence of chance as against 
the deepest current of one's nature. 

" He who has aptness for various lines of work may 
profit by the fact. But in many lives there is some 
strong determining factor. Bring everything else into 
harmony with this life-bent and the individual is useful 
and happy. Let his occupation be in some other field 
than this and he is restless and dissatisfied. A question 
of far-reaching importance is ' What shall I do ? ' And 
the answer must be, ' What God in nature has shaped 
you for.' But the data for settling this are often hard 
to find. A person who delights in the chase would fret 
under the confinement of a student. The one whose 
deepest delight is music could hardly endure the quiet 
of a shepherd's life. An honest man would be unhappy 
as the partner of a knave. A woman of fine sense and 
tender feelings would find the companionship of a coarse 
nature a growing burden. A rashly chosen profession, 
a marriage in haste or for spite, is almost sure to bring 
grief. Even when one is in sympathy with his environ- 
ment and his nature adjusts itself to its sphere there is 
enough to struggle against. No wonder then that so 
many with the currents of their natures ceaselessly beat- 
ing on unbroken bounds pine away, sicken, and die in 
their early years. 

" Some declining to consider their tastes and fitness 
choose a short road to some coveted end. The scholar, 
it may be, goes into business in order to make money. 
Too late, he finds that he has only unmade himself. An- 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 133 

Other yields to the charms of personal beauty and receives 
with his prize a being who chills his own. A third ad- 
vocates views which in sincerest hours he feels to be 
false and in the end has as his reward the loss of his self- 
respect and confidence. What is his ruling passion or 
faculty is a matter that each must decide for himself. 
In order to reach a right conclusion it may be necessary 
to ask the counsel of many and take into consideration 
quite a period of life. For it is not always the one which 
is uppermost in a given hour. The true self may be hid- 
den under a mass of habits and wrong teaching. There 
may be need to go back and ask why this course was pur- 
sued rather than that, and which called out the best ef- 
forts and gave the most lasting satisfaction. Even then 
one may go wrong. When assured that he is in the 
wrong channel — and then only — let him leave it and get 
into the right one. When it comes to a choice, it is bet- 
ter to be right than consistent in one's course, but it is 
best not to have to make the change. Also, one needs 
to know the limits of his powers. Many a man who 
could do his work on a small scale with credit to himself, 
comes under a load of disgrace and brings ruin on others 
by making ventures beyond his strength. A farmer 
plants larger crops than he can command means to till 
and raises only weeds. The unwise financier conceives 
far-reaching schemes, fails in his efforts, and by his col- 
lapse scatters distrust and want. A teacher undertakes 
to instruct others in subjects too deep for his mind and 
becomes an object of scorn. If one can do nothing but 



134 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

handle a hoe, let him have the manhood to own it and 
stick to his line of labor. Even lowly work well done 
brings honor to its performer, while bungling in high 
places leads to shame. If one can lift but fifty pounds 
he may effect much more by keeping within his bounds 
than by trying to raise five hundred. It is the person 
who knows his limits and keeps within them who serves 
best both himself and his fellow-men. Whether they 
possess them or not, men always admire common sense 
and honesty. 

" A second factor that enters into the make-up of the 
highest type of manhood is self-mastery, a condition 
more or less perfectly realized, as all of one's physical 
and mental parts are subject to the will. In the nature 
of the case, this is in a great measure a matter of train- 
ing. A young child has little more than power to move 
its hands. Years of attentive effort are needed to en- 
able it to use them well. The painter tries many times 
before he succeeds in making those fine strokes that so 
charm the beholder. Talent must be assisted by years 
of faithful practice to make the world's sweetest singers. 
Use is an essential condition of all excellence. Exercis- 
ing a given set of muscles under the attentive control of 
the will gives the deft movements of the most graceful. 
Strength of parts is acquired in the same way. Both 
are results attained in the process of forming habits. 
The Greek who stands as type of the world's orators 
overcame an impediment of speech. While so doing, 
he learned how to send his voice to the heart of his 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 135 

hearers. What were the discomforts of speaking with 
pebbles in his mouth and against the noise of the sea 
compared with his triumphs in the end? But he who 
would have greatness must pay the price — toil and pain. 
For him the disobedient member will at last yield and 
weakness give way to might. 

" In the acquirement of knowledge, the same law pre- 
vails. With trembling and self-distrust, the child en- 
ters this wide field. Months are spent in mastering 
the contents of the first reader. In the second year, 
more progress is made. And after a thorough course, 
a well trained youth can learn far more of a foreign 
language in the same length of time than he could at first 
in the speech of his own people. An educated person 
is one whose powers are developed to grapple with hard 
problems and to seize and hold fast facts, whose mental 
parts are all ready servants of the will. He has a 
strong judgment and imagination as well as memory. 
And, too, he is the owner of a will that defies all ob- 
stacles. So it follows that education rests on the basis 
of individual effort. Each must use his powers to de- 
velop them. A teacher at best can only inspire and di- 
rect. And, sad to say, an incompetent one by rousing 
antagonistic associations and wrong motives may mar 
every faculty of his pupil. But it is the faithful, pains- 
taking effort that leads towards the highest results, and 
by which only they are reached. A will that shrinks 
at no hardship is the ultimate force that lifts man from 
a plane of ignorance to that of knowledge. It rouses 



136 

memory to do its bidding, sets the judgment to work, 
and gives reason and imagination heroic tasks. Is a 
part weak, well-directed use will make it strong. Noth- 
ing else can. The scholar to whom the world goes for 
information lifted himself to the place he holds. His 
power to will and work is the only difference between 
him and the many others below him. He refused to 
yield to the love of ease, to the many hindrances that be- 
set him. To overcome and acquire became a pleasure to 
him. His habits were so formed as to resist and push 
him forward. Do you covet learning? Determine to 
have it; comply with the conditions and you may. 

" Two men are engaged in terrific combat. One falls 
and asks for mercy. Is his antagonist noble or base? 
The hour to decide that question is come. If the stronger 
is ruled by weak principles, the fallen must suffer to the 
limits of revenge. But no, he raises his foe and tries to 
relieve his pain. The gazing throng whispers ' a hero/ 
Yes, one who is master of his passions. That is why 
the gentlest have ever been the bravest and truest. All 
through their growing years, they battled against the 
impulse to do shameful deeds, and strove to acquit them- 
selves well. Man looks on pure womanhood as the 
fairest and sweetest flower on earth. To such he pays 
respect and homage but little short of worship. As he 
sees her, she embodies the true, the beautiful and the 
good. There are others of her sex whom he regards in 
the very opposite light. He loathes the idea of such a 
being. Why do we have these two types? The first 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 137 

masters her thoughts and feelings; the other does not. 
The one exalts honor and a good name ; the second either 
desires or yields to a different standard. At one time 
in their lives both were innocent. And later, both were 
tempted. One resisted, the other fell. From that 
abyss into which she has plunged no human hand can 
lift her. Of course among men there are differences 
both of birth and environment. It may be granted that 
now and then an external force sets one wrong. But 
broadly speaking, men's characters and conditions are 
what they choose them to be, or at least are willing to 
have them. Will you rule or be ruled by circumstances ? 
There are times when it causes a person pain to be honest. 
When the occasion comes let him yield to the desire of 
ease. Repeated indulgence establishes a habit. And 
the result is a man whom others fear to trust. Another, 
under like circumstances, chooses to tell the truth and 
suffer. Each time when the trial comes, he meets it 
bravely. In the end, it comes to pass that his word is 
never questioned. 

" He who would have full command of himself must 
begin the task early in life. Conduct takes on a form 
even as the body does. In youth, cherish pure thoughts, 
noble impulses and manly purposes. Abhor that which 
is base and unclean. And after a while one's own mo- 
mentum will almost keep him in the right. Think not 
that you can follow an evil course for years, and then 
all at once lead an upright life. Again and again that 
which is set in the nerves and brain will assert itself. Be- 



138 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

fore wrong mental associations have been formed, before 
wrong feelings have been allowed to develop, while the 
nature is plastic, is the time to set out to be a man or wo- 
man. No means of reforming the mind has yet been 
discovered. Until it has, the safe course is to avoid 
forming bad habits, and set the entire being, physical, 
mental, and moral, to right laws and principles. 

" The mighty force of gravitation opposes every plant 
that grows sunward. An incubus of custom and tra- 
dition hangs over every field of action or of thought. 
Let it once be known that you are not settled in your 
convictions, and a din worse than that which meets the 
traveler at a dining station will surround you. Falter 
an instant in your course, and someone will lay hold of 
you and try to take you with him. One political party 
claims your support on general principles; another, on 
what it has done and will do; while still others demand 
the right to prove their merits. Look up for an instant, 
and on every side are to be seen hands pointing and 
beckoning. In the social world it is the same way. You 
must have your hair cut after a certain fashion, else you 
are considered out of date. Your shoes, too, are ex- 
pected to be in a given style, and even the cut of your 
clothes. In heathen China, fashion condemns the wo- 
man of high caste to be a cripple in her feet. In more 
enlightened countries, she is expected to deform a shapely 
waist. Custom, the preserver of the best, the general 
mould of conduct and habits, is neither too good nor too 
great to be questioned and even challenged. When she 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 139 

tyrannizes, defy her. A few decades ago, a man would 
hardly have dared to claim to be well educated unless he 
had taken a course in the classics of Greece and Rome. 
Whether one had any taste and talent for such studies 
or not, if he desired a name among the cultured, he must 
go through that press. Even the English language has 
suffered from that gigantic blunder. On account of the 
number of words in our tongue from those two sources 
a working knowledge of both of them is helpful. In- 
troduced into the middle grades to those whose minds are 
strong to grasp forms, they serve a useful purpose. But 
for a person nearly grown to go through the usual grind 
of the dead languages is a sacrifice of time and strength 
to an incorrect view. Neither Plato nor Aristotle took 
such a course, yet they teach the teachers of to-day. 
They grappled with and mastered ideas. As the sinews 
of the body were hardened in the boxing and wrestling 
drills of the time, so their minds were strengthened by 
the struggle to know the truth. It is exercise that gives 
force and form to the mind, and this can be had in more 
departments of learning than one. Nothing can take 
the place of faithful, hard work. Any interesting sub- 
ject that affords this is a good trainer of the parts used. 
Many of the world's greatest men have been such be- 
cause their spontaneous energies were not paralyzed by 
word and grammar-work in their young manhood. In- 
born vigor is greater than any system of improvement 
which others can shape. 

" Mankind does not advance by following round, as 



140 



in a circle, the preceding ages. It is he who leaves the 
beaten path, who sees from a higher point of view, that 
leads in the upward march of mind. At any point there 
is but one perpendicular. Each individual has his own 
line of right mental development. As custom has guided 
in the outer actions of life, so creeds have shaped men's 
principles. It may be granted that they were the best 
their times could afford, that they were the true con- 
victions of honest souls. But new data have been 
added. In some cases, to cling to the past is to turn 
one's face from the light. Old structures have been 
undermined. To some looking upon their moldering 
ruins the question may come, ' Is this the end ? ' As 
the leaf of last season goes back to the elements to rise 
again in new form and life, so old creeds must dissolve, 
and new ones rise to meet the demands of the hour. For 
their strong faith and mighty works, respect is due to the 
leaders of the past. But the issues of to-day will only 
yield to creeds embracing all the data at hand. Dark- 
ness does not vanish before the denial of its existence, 
only before the greater power of light. In spite of man's 
failures to fully grasp it, right is a fact. So, also, is 
truth and virtue. Above the noise of clashing creeds, 
high over the darkness of doubt and despair, listen for 
the voice of goodness, and seek the glory of her light. 
Unto the self-reliant soul that seeks her, she manifests 
herself. From him she sends out joy and life-giving 
light to bless the nations. 

" Achievement comes of mighty, well-directed effort. 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 141 

Strength is also a result. Back of it are vigor and wise 
action. He who battles against Nature's laws and forces 
must sink beneath them. But by obtaining their help, 
man lifts himself to the heights. Within yourself are 
the same powers that you honor in another. Find them ; 
use them ; trust them. The indifference to danger which 
the hero displays may be yours too. The one who sways 
an audience at will has a possible equal in more than one 
of his hearers. That manly individual whose glance and 
tone command respect and obedience, differs from you 
mainly in degree. All these rely on themselves and so 
ought you. As long as you look to another for leader- 
ship, he must be your superior. Imitation aids youth but 
enslaves manhood. In its proper time and place, the guid- 
ance and support of another is to be desired. But lean- 
ing too long makes weaklings. Do your own thinking 
for one day, and at its close greater usefulness will be 
yours. Why do you ask another what should be the con- 
duct of your life ? You alone have the final data to settle 
that problem. The trouble is that you repress too much 
and doubt too long. Those swelling impulses and long- 
ings for a better state are mute pleadings of your deepest, 
truest self. Let them reach out into the unknown. Soon 
they will find their lines of action. But if the first move- 
ment goes wrong, you lose heart. Quit your doubting 
and try again. How can you fail unless you seek ? Man 
rises only as he strives to. 

" It was never intended that doubt should paralyze, 
that it should block the way of progress. Its function is 



142 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

to aid in choosing the better and in discovering the truth. 
But too often, man in ignorance and fear gives it the first 
place in his mind and becomes its slave. Do you seek 
the infinite ? Even now, you are in the midst of it. Play- 
ing about you, too, are limitless forces. Bring yourself 
into sympathy with them. Let their currents vibrate 
through your being, and a new strength and peace will 
be yours. Instead of respecting their best selfhood, men 
try to mould themselves by another. Of course, they do 
not succeed. With failure comes unrest. The standard 
was wrong. Be yourself. Let the thoughts and feelings 
so long held in check express themselves in your action 
and character. Do this to-day, and by to-morrow they 
will be stronger and clearer. Instead of weakness and 
pain will come pleasure and might. 

" Know your powers and their limits ; use them and 
control those that would lead wrong. Will to be and you 
can. Rely on your own efforts; then, to you, earth will 
become more beautiful and your life sweeter and purer. 
Through yourself, the springs of truth would flow. In 
yourself and about you are to be found the strength and 
resources you desire. " 



A YOUNG MAN S PROBLEMS 



143 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

KEEP HEART. 

In each life are times of joy and of sorrow, times 
when one's plans carry or are thwarted. Disappointment 
and grief come to each and all. 

The aim of one person is to acquire a fortune. To 
that end he bends every energy of mind and body. Night 
and day he studies how to add to the sum already gained. 
At his bidding buildings rise up and streams of com- 
merce issue afar. Fortune seems to have adopted him 
for her child. It may be that for years she aids him in 
his efforts. Then in a very whirlwind of fire, sickness, 
poor trade, and shaken confidence, he sees all pass from 
his possession and knows that his ambition can never be 
realized. Added to this, hardship comes upon those 
whom he loves. 

Another has mapped out for himself some line of 
mental effort. He aspires to be a teacher, an orator, a 
writer, or something of the kind. With full-set purpose he 
uses his time, means, and strength in preparing to achieve. 
Obstacles rise again and again only to be overcome. They 
hardly check him in his onward career and, in truth, add 
to his momentum. His undaunted spirit knows no such 
thing as failure. He has won the admiration of friends 



144 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

and the respect of his opponents. He rejoices that his 
successes make life sweeter for those dearest to him and 
enlarge his circle of usefulness. Moving on with ever- 
growing force and confidence he is almost to the goal. 

Then the unexpected happens. To a Milton, it may- 
be the loss of sight, to an orator, the paralysis of the or- 
gans of speech, to a scholar, the breaking down of his 
health. Anyhow, the fact comes fully before him that 
he can never realize his purpose and hope. Death would 
give him far less pain. 

One espouses a cause which to him seems right. In its 
defense he is drawn into the storms of war and strife. 
Men fall on every side of him, but he is spared. His 
loved ones are subjected to want and the taunts of his 
foe. But they do not murmur for, with him, they be- 
lieve that his cause is just. By day, he stands in the 
midst of flying shot and shells. At night, he tramps in 
the cold and rain the lone sentinel's beat, or exhausted 
sinks to sleep on the chilly, damp earth. Oh, the hard- 
ships, the sufferings, the exposures he endures ! 

But every pain would only make victory the sweeter. 
Years go by. Shock is endured and battle waged again 
and again. But at last, worn by exposure, weakened by 
hunger and overwhelmed by superior numbers, he finds 
himself helpless in the hands of his enemy. His cause is 
lost. The flag under which he fought is dashed to the 
earth. His soul almost sinks away. He looks into a fu- 
ture darker than the deepest night. And but for those of 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 145 

his household who look to him for help and comfort he 
would wish that he too was dead. 

A youth goes wilfully into wrong paths. Others of 
his kind encourage him in his folly. On he goes silencing 
the voice of his better nature, resisting the entreaties of 
the pure and good. At last the results of his own doing 
block his way. In folly he finds pleasure no longer. For- 
saken by his associates in evil., a culprit before the bar 
of his judgment and reason, writhing under remorse, 
with honor gone and peace of mind thrown away, and 
the wrong he has done rising up in memory to tantalize 
him, he wishes he had never been born. 

Life is to him a burden. But he must reap some of 
the harvest from his sowing and learn at last that to do 
wrong is unwise, for the Power above him and the laws 
which beset him are stronger than man. 

Some one chooses for himself a course which calls for 
an active, muscular life. He studies and strives to make 
the most of his powers in his chosen employment. Every 
other consideration must fall into line with this or be 
dismissed. With steady, sure progress he pushes to the 
front and has reached the point where the hardest part 
seems past. In fancy he is already master of that he 
sought. As he stretches out his hand for the prize a 
weakness seizes him. Never can he achieve his aim. 
It is hard to endure merited suffering and more painful 
still for the one who can see no reason for his bitter lot. 

There are times when selfishness and injustice seem 
to triumph, when right appears to be the weaker cause. 



146 A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 

Under such conditions the state of mind into which 
the distressed person comes may be his greatest mis- 
fortune. 

What shall he do? To pine away and despair over 
one's defeat and losses can not better the state of his case 
and must add to the sorrow of those who share his grief. 

Under some conditions it is natural and right to sor- 
row. Afterwards, one can cherish or try to overcome 
his sadness ; he may brood over it or try to forget. Con- 
tinuous sorrow weakens the physical and mental powers. 
Cheerfulness strengthens them. 

Discouragements such as those just portrayed do not 
befall all. But in the round of every day life are many 
cares and disappointments. If often yielded to they may 
have a serious effect. Shall man give up to them and al- 
low himself to be crushed by their weight? Never. 
When the spirit is broken, the strength is gone. 

On the other hand, few misfortunes are so bad that 
they could not be much worse. It is better to take the 
more cheerful view and make the best of things as they 
come. Misfortune rightly endured deepens the sympa- 
thies and develops the power of forbearance. It brings 
man into closer touch with his fellow creatures. 

But after the night comes day. The chosen way may 
be in some respects closed, the cherished aim thwarted. 
Other avenues will open, other hands come to one's aid. 
Ambition urges on in the attempt to accomplish great 
things. Often greatness is realized through a multitude 
of small things. The author whose hand is palsied may 



A YOUNG MAN'S PROBLEMS 147 

enlist the service of another's. The orator may exert 
more influence in some other field. Dam a river and it 
will reach places where it could not otherwise have gone. 
Man craves fame, but to do an abiding work for the race 
is better. Often there are better things for man than 
he chooses. Only be strong-hearted and steadfast in the 
effort to rise and you will. With the eye fixed on the 
star the traveler fails to see the flowers along his route. 
Both are to be considered. 

The life-work of some is to teach courage, of others 
to inspire patience and gentleness. Defeat is not final 
unless in the wrong. Like heaving billows cares and 
sorrows may roll over the soul. The burden sometimes 
seems almost too great to bear. It is hard to suffer de- 
feat, to endure disappointment. But it is wrong to give 
up to them. Despair kills. It avails nothing for the bet- 
ter to yield to care and sorrow. 

In the time of strength and hope man can choose his 
future state of mind and fix his purpose. With the 
whole current of his nature moving in a given line no 
storm of misfortune can change the direction of his 
course. Above the densest darkness known on earth the 
stars are still shining. 

Strength comes to the heart from purpose and hope. 
The One whose power and law hold atom and universe 
still reigns. If the burden is heavy some day it will pass 
away. Though cares and shadows and backsets come, 
keep heart, keep heart. 



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"HISTORY OWES ITS EXCELLENCB MORE TO TH E WRITER'S M ANN Uk 
HAN TO THE MATERIALS OF WHIOH IT IS COMPOSED.— QOLOSMITH. 

Gibson's School History of the 
United States. 



PLAN OF THE BOOK. 

This book is arranged with the view of aiding the student in breaking 
away from the habit of studying the printed page rather than the thought 
expressed by it. This is done by — 

I. The Topical Arrangement of Matter. 

The chain of events, logically and geographically associated, has 
been followed to a conclusion, regardless of contemporary events in 
other places. 

II. A Large Use of Maps and Charts. 

As matters of historic interest occur on the earth, locality be- 
comes an essential element in the study of history. 

III. Historic Parallel Readings. 

The mind demands more than a bare statement of facts. With 
this in mind we have suggested the parallel readings in order to hold 
the student longer to each topic under discussion. 

IV. Associating Pure Literature Bearing upon Subjects 

Kindred to That Under Consideration. 

V. Historic Geography. 

The study of the earth as the home of man in all his activities 
and relations to its teeming life, is of infinite value and pleasure. 

VI. Elementary Civics. 

History and Civics are logically and chronologically associated. 
They sprung from the same fountain and must ever flow onward 
together. 

VII. There is Correlation of the Subjects Literature, 

Geography and Civics in Every Chapter. 

The book contains 56 Maps and Charts, 18 full page Half-Tone En- 
gravings — besides many smOTer ones. All the Presidents, the leading 
Poets and other noted persons are shown in the beautiful Half-Tonr 
Engravings. Cloth, 510 Pages. List,' $1. 00; Examination Copy, 80c, 

A. FLANAGAN COHPANY, Publishers 

266-268 Wabash Avenue .... Chicago. 



SHOULD BE IN EVERY HOME. 

CHILD'S CHRIST-TALES 

By ANDREA HOFER PROUDFOOT. "• 

"Child's Chbist-Tales" is the most Christian of all juvenile story- 
books. The stories of St. Anthony, St. Christopher, St. John and the 
Christ-Child, told in simple language for children, and yet attractive to 
the older ones, are here grouped together. Every mother and every teacher 
of little ones should have this book. It is a precious gift to any child and 
to child-lovers for Christmas, Easter and birthday. The stories will bear 
reading over and over. 

The book is illustrated with thirty-eight of the choicest half-tone 
illustrations of the great masters, Raphael, Murillo, Lerolle, etc. Each 
copy is in a box, making it more suitable for gift purposes. 

Price, Cloth $1.00. 

"A beautiful behavior gives a higher pleasure than statues or pictures; 
it is the finest of the fine Arts."— Emerson. 



PRACTICAL ETIQUETTE 

Is the title of a little book which has had A SALE OF OVER 20,000 
COPIES. It is designed to teach the "beautiful behavior" praised by 
Emerson, and is based upon Sir Bulwer-Lytton's statement that It is 
"better for one to possess manners than wealth, beauty or talent." 

An authority in all matters pertaining to social intercourse— Answers 
every question concerning good manners— Explains "good form" and 
shows how not to violate its rules— Makes known official etiquette, eti- 
quette upon the street, etiquette in business, etiquette in traveling, etc. 

PRICES: Neat cloth cover, embossed, 137 pages. 50c. 

Holiday edition, gilt top, rough edges, 8-mo, 75c. 



A MOTHER'S IDEALS 

IN THE TRAINING OF CHILDREN. 

By MRS. ANDREA HOFER PROUDFOOT. 



This Is not a dogmatic book. It is not a book of iron-clad precepts. 
It is a book from the heart to the heart. It is from a mother to other 
mothers. It deals with those broader duties and higher conceptions that 
give tact and wisdom guided by love. It is written to stimulate and en- 
courage the mother in her aspirations for nobler living for herself and her 
child. Cloth, 270 pages, $ 1 .00. 



A. FLANAGAN CO. publishers, CHICAGO, ILL. 






OTHER rMBSIRAJBIVEJ BOOKS 



LITTLE PEOPLE OF THE SNOW 

Being the Life of Koohna, an Eskimo Boy. 

CONTENTS 

The Sun in the Horizon. The Northern Lights. 

Mother Eskimo Makes Koohna a Where the Eskimo Girl Has Her 

New Suit of Clothes. Pockets. 

How Baby Eskimo Lives. The Eskimo House. 

How to Manage the Dog Sledge. Games of Eskimo Boys and Girls. 
Little Koohna at Work. Hunting the Musk Ox. 

Spearing Fish. How Seals are Caught. 

Voyage on the Ice. The White Man's Igloo. 

Eskimo Stories and Folk Lore. 
This is a charming lit tie volume of 108 pages by Mart Mullbb. It is bound 
in cloth, has illuminated covers, embossed with silver, and is fully illus- 
trated. Cloth 35c. Boards 25c. 



THE LITTLE CLA55IC SERIES 

OF SBLKCTIOKS FROM THE WORLD'S BEST LIT1BATUBB. 

Points of Excellence. 3. Better paper and a good, clear 

1. A full page portrait of the author type. 32 pages in each issue. 

in each volume. 4. Substantial and attractive covers. 

2. Biographical and other matter not 5. The economical price of 5 cents 

found in other editions. per copy. 

IN THE SERIES NOW ISSUED OR UNDER WAY ARE: 
The King of the Golden River. A Dog of Flanders, double number, 10c. 

The Great Stone Face. 64 pages. 

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The Nurnburg Stove, double number, 

Evangeline. price 10c. 

Miles Standish, double number, 10 cents, The Miraculous Pitcher. 

64 pages. The Three Golden Apples. 

The Deserted Village, and Gray's Elegy. The Snow Image. 
Rip Van Winkle, etc., etc. 

Single Numbers, 6 cts. a a a Per Dozen, 60 cts. 



THE LITTLE JOURNEYS SERIES 

A LIBRARY OF TRAVEL FOR CHILDREN. 

This is a series of reading books issued monthly at a low price. It is 
designed to meet the constant demand of pupils and teachers for interest- 
ing and reliable information about OUR NEW POSSESSIONS, and about 
other countries little known. The readers take the trips along with the 
author. The books are handsomely illustrated, printed on good paper, in 
large clear type. They are admirable for supplementary reading, for 
brightening the work in Geography and History and for the home Library. 
THE TEACHERS' SUPPLEMENT contains hints for Friday Afternoons 
Abroad and other work. 

Prices: Each number from 96 to 112 pages. Profusely Illustrated. 
15 cents each; $1.50 per dor.; $10.00 per hundred. 



A. FLANAGAN CO. publishers, CHICAGO, ILL 



gXatxagatx fgjftujcaiitftxal Mzxizs 



TEXTS AND AIDS 

IN 

A R I T H M ETIC 



I. TWO NEW TEXT BOOKS. By A. W.Rich, 
Ph. B., Associate Professor of Mathematics, 
Iowa State Normal School. 

1. THE NEW PRACTICAL ARITHMETIC, for Grammar Schools 

and Academies. Cloth. 222 pages. Price, 50 cents. 

2. THE NEW HIGHER ARITHMETIC, for Academies, Normal 

Schools and High Schools. Cloth. 315 pages. Price, 75 cents. 

II. SUPPLEMENTARY WORK IN ARITH- 
METIC, by W. M. Giffin, A. M., Ph. D., 
Vice-Principal Chicago Normal School. 

Part 1. I,ines and Diagrams. 96 pp. 
Part 2. Area. 96 pp. 
Part 3. Percentage. 50 pp. 
Part 4. Volume and Bulk. 48 pp. 
The four parts complete in one large volume. Cloth, $1.00. 

III. ARITHMETICAL REFERENCE AND 

SOLUTION BOOK, by J. B. F. Showai/tbr, 
A. M. Fourth edition. Cloth. 454 pages. 
Price, $1.35. 

This invaluable reference book contains: 

1. Model Solutions for Every Case and Every Subject. 

2. Solutions of most of the "Catch Problems." 

3. Arithmetical Principles Stated and Made Clear. 

4. Diagrams and Maps Explaining Various Topics. 

IV. MISCELLANEOUS AIDS AND HELPS. 

Method in Written Arithmetic. By Pres. Jno. W. 

Cook, Nor.Ill. Nor. School. Cloth. 184 pages. Price, 

50 cents. 
Quincy Course in Arithmetic. By Pres. Francis W. 

Parker. Paper, 15 cents. 

And many others. Send for Descriptive Catalogue. 



A. FLANAGAN COMPANY, Publishers 
266-268 Wabash Avenue, Chicago 



^Xatxagatt gdxtJcationaX Mzxits 



r> RAW I N G 



I. FOR GRADED AND SYSTEMATIC INSTRUCTION, 

The Webb and Ware Series: 

Primary Course, 4 books, each 40 pages, 15 cents. 
Advanced Course, 4 books, each 40 pages, 20 cents. 
Large envelopes containing 30 to 40 sheet* practice paper, 
5 cents extra. 
Write for illustrated descriptive circular. 

II. FOR UNGRADED AND COUNTRY SCHOOLS, fur- 
nishing Popular and Practical Busy Work, we 
publish 

Purkhiser's Easy Lessons. Books 1 and 2. 10 cents each. 

The Drawing Made Easy Series. Four sets, each with manual, 

25 cents. 
Hull's Didactic Drawings, with paper cutting, folding, etc, 

25 cents. 
Augsburg's Easy Things to Draw. 203 illustrations. 30 cents- 
King's Blackboard Sketching. 30 cents. 

III. SELIvMAN'S WATER COLORS, 8 in box with brush, 

25 cts. 
The largest variety, best quality, lowest price. 

IV. CONSTRUCTION WORK IN CARDBOARD AND 

PAPER, by Rob't M. Smith, Supervisor of Manual 
Training, Chicago Schools. Cloth. 42 full-page illus- 
trations. Price, 75 cts. 

A complete course in manual training for the first four grades in 
the public schools, together with a course in woodwork for 
5th and 6th grades. 



MU SIC 



Over 300,000 of our popular music books have been sold 
to the delight and satisfaction of pupils and teachers. Full 
descriptions are given in our Catalogue, sent free on request. 

Merry Melodies., 15c. The Fountain Song Books, each, 15c. 

Merry Songs, 30c. Patriotic Songs, 20c. 

Silvery Notes, 15c. Songs in Season, 50c. 

Golden Glees, 35c. Royal Songs, 12c. 

New Century Songs, 20c. Songs for School, Home, Nation, 25c. 
Steele's Primary Rote Songs, 15c. 
Whybark's Child's Music Course, 1st R., 30c; 2d R., 30c. 



A. FLANAGAN COMPANY, Publishers 

266-268 Wabash Avenue, Chicago 



NEW TEXTS 

IN 

English Grammar 



I. NEW LESSONS IN ENGLISH. For Inter- 

mediate Grades. Cloth. Full page, half- 
tone illustrations. 211 pages. Price, 35 cts. 

A thorough book, In simple language, based upon the inductive 
method. Its strong features are the omission of perplexing de- 
tails, and a method of teaching the use of good English by such 
selected and suggestive work as arouse the pupil's imagination 
and give him an incentive to thought. 

II. NEW ESSENTIALS OF ENGLISH 
GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION. For 

Grammar Grades. Cloth. Full page, classic 
illustrations. 260 pages. Price, 50 cents. 

An admirable text-book. It contains the essentials of English 
Grammar, concisely stated, together with the study of notable 
pictures and standard literature. This gives the pupil increased 
power, both in interpretation and expression; as the illustrations, 
found in this advanced grammar alone, brighten the book, 
quicken the pupil's powers, and, in connection with the selections, 
give him mastery over his mother tongue. 

Sample copies sent postpaid on receipt of price. Sample pages 
free on application. Liberal terms of introduction and exchange. 



SMITH'S GRAMMAR, ETYMOLOGY AND 
SYNTAX. By E. B. Smith, University of 
Kansas. For Normal Schools, High Schools 
and Academies. Cloth. Price, 50 cents. 

WALLBANK'S OUTLINES AND EXERCISES 
IN ENGLISH GRAMMAR. By Nellie 
B. Wallbank, formerly Instructor in Iowa 
State Normal School. Paper. 129 pages. 
Price, 25 cents. 

A. FLANAGAN COMPANY, Publishers 
266-268 Wabash Avenue, Chicago 



Musical Gems 



miwwiw— 



A GRADED COURSE IN MUSIC 

For Rural and Village Schools 

BT 

CHAS. L. MOORE and M. W. MOORE, 

Instructors in Music, Urbana and Champaign, III. 

Assisted by A. LAM MOORE and W. E. MOORE. 

SEVERAL UNIQUE FEATURES: 

First:— There are eight chapters giving the things to be 
taught each month, together with practice exercises. 

Second: — Preceding these are simple and easy lessons and 
drills, training the children of the first and second years 
by means of pleasing melodies and rote songs. 

Third:— The elements of music are taught and illustrated, 
accompanied by drills upon the keys and a complete 
glossary. 

Fourth : — Besides the standard songs given with the training work 
for each month, there are 65 pages of miscellaneous 
songs and hymns, suited for school exercises and public 
gatherings. 

Price: Boards, 128 pages, 25 cents; $2.50 per doz. 



Some Other Music Books : whybark's child Series 

-——-—-——-—-——-———-—---—— (two books); Gems of 
Song (with practice by grades); Golden Glees; Merry Melodies; 
Primary Songs; Merry Songs; Songs in Season, etc. 



Zr. A. FLANAGAN CO., CHICAGO 



A ■ BOOK 

From A MOTHER to OTHER MOTHERS 



PRESENTING 



".fl IHMlNr's Ideals 

IN THE TRAINING OF CHILDREN 



it 



nHIS is not a dogmatic book. It is not a book of 
mechanical rules. Nor is it a book of iron-clad 
precepts. It is a book from the heart to the heart. 
It deals with those broader duties, and higher con- 
ceptions that give tact and wisdom guided by love. It 
is written to stimulate and encourage the mother in her 
aspirations for nobler living for herself and her child. 
Following are the 



HEADS OF CHAPTERS 



The New Family 
The Immaotoatb 

conoeption 
The Stobt or L,ife 
The Annun oiation 
The Child in Our Midst 
The Radiant Mother 
Child Rearing 
The Question or 

Punishment 



A Kindergarten Home 
IiOVE Thy Brother 
Marriage Ideals 
A Wife's Problems 
Woman as a Former, 

not a Reformer 
Child Study 
Profe s sional 

Motherhood 
A Reading Course 



"A MOTHER'S IDEALS" is a volume of 270 pages, by 
Mrs. Andrea Hofer Proudfoot. It is bound in neat cloth, 
with a beautifully embossed cover, and is in large, clear type. 
Price, postpaid, $i.OO. 



A. FLANAGAN CO., Publishers, 

266-268 Wabash Avenue, CHICAGO, ILL. 



%^^^^^^^^^^^^^66^^ 




tftf 






HAY 28 V 

1 COPY DEL. TOCAT,[)IV. 
MAY 29 1902 



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